RDP not a Kwanyama party: Hamutenya

Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) President Hidipo Hamutenya has dismissed claims that the party is only for the Kwanyama tribe, while promising that the notion of “job for comrades” would not be entertained should his party be voted into power in 2014. Hamutenya said in a year-end message that the RDP is about inclusiveness, as its new leadership is made up of people from all 13 regions and from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. “This surely gives the lie to the much-touted assertion that RDP is a Kwanyama party. No, the RDP is about inclusiveness, ability and capability,” Hamutenya said. Hamutenya referred back to the period preceding this year’s RDP convention, when many people predicted his removal as the party’s president, while others predicted the demise of the RDP. “Well, let me say this to all, the RDP convention proceeded in a comradely spirit during which all candidates and delegates exercised their democratic right in an orderly and transparent manner. In the end, political maturity and unity prevailed. “The RDP emerged from this exercise stronger and more united than ever in its resolve to provide a better and prosperous future for all Namibians. Indeed, the RDP can weather all storms! The harbingers of doom have been confounded,” said Hamutenya. Hamutenya also took swipe at the government’s failure to curb corruption despite its ‘zero tolerance for corruption’ campaign. “We only saw 100% tolerance. It has failed resoundingly to reverse this trend that is so detrimental to our national development goals. Sad to say, government has paid nothing more than lip service to tackling corruption. “Failing to do so is a gross dereliction of duty and they should ship out. We thus call on all [voters] who have the desire to see a good and prosperous future for Namibia to seriously look into this and vote for RDP [in the] 2014 elections,” Hamutenya’s statement reads. He said the lack of accountability of office-bearers as a key prerequisite for good governance is also a major source of concern to the RDP. Hamutenya further highlighted his concern about the widening gap between rich and poor in a country that has one of the highest incomes per capita in Africa. He said it is unacceptable that Namibians are foraging at rubbish dumps while maternal deaths remain high and there are unabated violence against women and children, unaffordable housing and a high unemployment rate. “This is indicative of the complacency and laissez-faire attitude that has beset our country. Such attitudes can only emanate from the arrogance of power,” Hamutenya said. WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA