Swapo vows to fight corruption
The ruling party’s image has been battered in recent years, with some of its most senior members finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.
MATHIAS HAUFIKU
WINDHOEK
Despite allegations that the ruling party has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Fishrot scandal, Swapo says it stands against corruption and has the political will to fight it.
The party’s image has been battered in recent years after some of its most senior members found themselves on the wrong side of the law, accused of corrupt practices, with some convicted and others currently awaiting trial.
Swapo executive director Austin Samupwa however doubled down that the party does not condone corruption in any form.
“The party is against corruption and we are dealing with it on a daily basis. The Swapo-led government has set up institutions to fight corruption and we urge all Namibians to make use of those platforms by reporting any corrupt activities,” Samupwa said when he appeared on Namibian Sun’s Evening Review show earlier this week.
Asked why the party does not adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption by amending its constitution to prevent any corruption convict from going to Parliament on a Swapo ticket, Samupwa said the party must conform to the country’s constitution. He said the constitution allows convicted fraudsters to become members of parliament.
Futuristic
With the domestic political field evolving daily, Samupwa said the party remains futuristic in the manner it conducts its affairs to ensure that it remains relevant.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that the party’s political programme is executed consistently and not only during election seasons.
“We have not engaged our people continuously in the past. We did not keep them active in between elections to make sure that they have something to do. This led to building tension because they were not engaged, but rest assured that we are busy with efforts behind the scenes to ensure we remain relevant and to lure back those who have left,” he said.
He also suggested that the party’s term of office for its leadership, especially the party presidency, should coincide with that of the country’s presidency.
“Maybe it is time for us to discuss the overlap and I feel it is time that we harmonise the two.”
Samupwa said the party has adopted a strategic plan to ensure that it is on par with Namibia’s current political dynamics.
WINDHOEK
Despite allegations that the ruling party has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Fishrot scandal, Swapo says it stands against corruption and has the political will to fight it.
The party’s image has been battered in recent years after some of its most senior members found themselves on the wrong side of the law, accused of corrupt practices, with some convicted and others currently awaiting trial.
Swapo executive director Austin Samupwa however doubled down that the party does not condone corruption in any form.
“The party is against corruption and we are dealing with it on a daily basis. The Swapo-led government has set up institutions to fight corruption and we urge all Namibians to make use of those platforms by reporting any corrupt activities,” Samupwa said when he appeared on Namibian Sun’s Evening Review show earlier this week.
Asked why the party does not adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption by amending its constitution to prevent any corruption convict from going to Parliament on a Swapo ticket, Samupwa said the party must conform to the country’s constitution. He said the constitution allows convicted fraudsters to become members of parliament.
Futuristic
With the domestic political field evolving daily, Samupwa said the party remains futuristic in the manner it conducts its affairs to ensure that it remains relevant.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that the party’s political programme is executed consistently and not only during election seasons.
“We have not engaged our people continuously in the past. We did not keep them active in between elections to make sure that they have something to do. This led to building tension because they were not engaged, but rest assured that we are busy with efforts behind the scenes to ensure we remain relevant and to lure back those who have left,” he said.
He also suggested that the party’s term of office for its leadership, especially the party presidency, should coincide with that of the country’s presidency.
“Maybe it is time for us to discuss the overlap and I feel it is time that we harmonise the two.”
Samupwa said the party has adopted a strategic plan to ensure that it is on par with Namibia’s current political dynamics.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article