Swapo Politburo refuses to recognise Hikopua suspension
Despite assurances that Hikopua has, in fact, not been suspended, Swapo Otjozondjupa regional secretary for information and publicity, Clive Kavendjii, continues to sign documents on her behalf.
KENYA KAMBOWE
RUNDU
With mere months before Swapo’s elective congress, the ruling party’s leadership in the Otjozondjupa Region is in a state of disarray. Regional coordinator Susan Hikopua still goes to her office, makes use of the party vehicle and continues to have access to the party’s bank accounts, despite the Regional Executive Committee (REC) claiming to have suspended her in December.
According to Swapo Party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa, Hikopua has not been not suspended and continues to carry out her duties.
Shaningwa said the REC does not have the power to suspend Hikopua without the Politburo’s blessing.
“So far, the Politburo is in the know that Susan Hikopua is the regional coordinator of the Otjozondjupa Region,” the SG briefly commented.
However, despite her sentiments, the Swapo Otjozondjupa regional secretary for information and publicity, Clive Kavendjii, continues to sign documents that require Hikopua’s signature.
Namibian Sun has seen two letters Kavendjii signed on Hikopua’s behalf.
The letters, dated 6 December 2021 and 14 February 2022, are about the recall and subsequent revoking of the recall of Grootfontein town councillor Talitha Garises.
According to those letters, Kavendji is acting as regional coordinator following the alleged suspension of Hikopua, who only picks up things concerning her region through the media.
However, Hikopua continues to operate from her office as usual.
Pulling in different directions
Asked for comment, Hikopua said the regional structure is not united because everyone is pulling in a different direction.
However, she said her suspension was not enforced and she will only vacate her office and serve out her suspension once the Swapo Politburo endorses the decision.
The Politburo is yet to sit this year.
“I am still in the office carrying out my duties as enshrined in the Swapo Party constitution. I am not on suspension until my superiors [Politburo] decide so,” she said.
On 6 December 2021, Hikopua was informed of her suspension which had been decided at a REC meeting.
Among the allegations levelled against her is the alleged mismanagement of party funds and that she is bringing the name of the party in disrepute through her alleged divisive politics.
Keeping things civil
Meanwhile, Kavendji maintained that Hikopua has been suspended and that the REC awaits the Politburo’s decision to either endorse or rescind their decision.
Kavendji said they avoided a draconian approach to the matter, which could have included seizing the office and car keys from Hikopua.
[email protected]
RUNDU
With mere months before Swapo’s elective congress, the ruling party’s leadership in the Otjozondjupa Region is in a state of disarray. Regional coordinator Susan Hikopua still goes to her office, makes use of the party vehicle and continues to have access to the party’s bank accounts, despite the Regional Executive Committee (REC) claiming to have suspended her in December.
According to Swapo Party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa, Hikopua has not been not suspended and continues to carry out her duties.
Shaningwa said the REC does not have the power to suspend Hikopua without the Politburo’s blessing.
“So far, the Politburo is in the know that Susan Hikopua is the regional coordinator of the Otjozondjupa Region,” the SG briefly commented.
However, despite her sentiments, the Swapo Otjozondjupa regional secretary for information and publicity, Clive Kavendjii, continues to sign documents that require Hikopua’s signature.
Namibian Sun has seen two letters Kavendjii signed on Hikopua’s behalf.
The letters, dated 6 December 2021 and 14 February 2022, are about the recall and subsequent revoking of the recall of Grootfontein town councillor Talitha Garises.
According to those letters, Kavendji is acting as regional coordinator following the alleged suspension of Hikopua, who only picks up things concerning her region through the media.
However, Hikopua continues to operate from her office as usual.
Pulling in different directions
Asked for comment, Hikopua said the regional structure is not united because everyone is pulling in a different direction.
However, she said her suspension was not enforced and she will only vacate her office and serve out her suspension once the Swapo Politburo endorses the decision.
The Politburo is yet to sit this year.
“I am still in the office carrying out my duties as enshrined in the Swapo Party constitution. I am not on suspension until my superiors [Politburo] decide so,” she said.
On 6 December 2021, Hikopua was informed of her suspension which had been decided at a REC meeting.
Among the allegations levelled against her is the alleged mismanagement of party funds and that she is bringing the name of the party in disrepute through her alleged divisive politics.
Keeping things civil
Meanwhile, Kavendji maintained that Hikopua has been suspended and that the REC awaits the Politburo’s decision to either endorse or rescind their decision.
Kavendji said they avoided a draconian approach to the matter, which could have included seizing the office and car keys from Hikopua.
[email protected]
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