SPYL wants apology or Rukoro's head

The Swapo Youth League (SPYL) has condemned what it described as tribal remarks recently made by OvaHerero Paramount Chief Vekuii Rukoro and demanded that he publicly apologise for calling the government an “Owambo” government.
The youth league said it will protect the country from any “divisive tendencies” and even went as far as comparing Rukoro’s remarks to the alleged Caprivi secessionist ringleader Mishake Muyongo.
In a media statement issued yesterday the SPYL said Rukoro, who is also a Swapo member, must be expelled from the party should he fail to apologise, because his remarks had the potential to incite violence.
The statement, signed by SPYL publicity secretary Neville Andre Itope, called on all Namibians to distance themselves from Rukoro’s remarks and to preserve the peace and stability enjoyed in Namibia.
“The Swapo Party government is an inclusive government and does not discriminate against anyone because of his or her tribal background. As Namibians we live together without any hate towards each other and Rukoro should not think he will disturb the unity we have in our country,” the statement read.
The SPYL added that its constitution is aimed combating all forms of nepotism, favouritism, moral decay, tribalism, individualism, corruption, racism, regionalism and other reactionary behaviour among Namibian youth.
Rukoro’s utterances were in reaction to the minister of urban and rural development, Sophia Shaningwa, giving permission to the Maharero Royal House Traditional Authority to commemorate Red Flag Day on land apparently owned by the OvaHerero Traditional Authority.
The minister later withdrew the permission.
The spokesperson of the OvaHerero Traditional Authority, Bob Kandetu, said he had not seen the statement and could not comment on the issue.
JEMIMA BEUKES