Swapo coordinators praise Geingob

STAFF REPORTER



WINDHOEK

The ruling party’s regional coordinators have heaped praise on party leader, Hage Geingob, whom they lauded for “going out of his way to forge unity within party ranks”.

Swapo’s regional political heads said this in their seasons greetings to all party members released yesterday, and in the process warned against consternation as the party’s elective congress next year draws near.

“While some may claim that the party is divided, our experience reveals the contrary. Under Comrade Geingob’s leadership, we have become accustomed to a new leadership style which is anchored on consultative decision-making and consensus building,” the message read.

When it comes to inclusivity, they said, Geingob “has and continues to walk the talk and those who lack insight into the inner workings of the Swapo Party have accused the president of being dictatorial or being weak, but this could not be further from the truth”.

“All of us have witnessed, first-hand, his open-door policy for senior leaders, youth and all Swapo rank and file. It is a rare situation where Swapo functionaries have access to a leader’s home or office, so we should all appreciate the fact that in Comrade Geingob, we have a leader who is always available, either in person or telephonically,” the coordinators further said.

The message added: “We express our appreciation to our president for being an exemplar of tolerance, which is an important trait of leadership possessed by few".

Play the ball

With Geingob often the subject of intense criticism and insults, especially on social media, the coordinators praised the president “for being a tolerant leader”.

“Many of us have asked Comrade Geingob how he is able to deal with the almost daily barrage of insults, accusations and provocations without reacting or losing his temper. He informed us that one only gets hurt when a statement is made by someone one respects,” the statement read.

With Swapo’s elective congress set for next year, debate is rife whether Geingob will stand for party presidency or not.

The coordinators are of the view that they will “cross that bridge when we get there”.

“In the lead up to this important congress, it is also necessary to revisit the past, not to stir up any negative emotions, but as a means to draw lessons which may serve the party well going forward,” they said.

“One lesson we can draw from Geingob’s experience is that he has taught us the concept of playing the ball and not the person.”