EDITORIAL: Swapo must build unity momentum

The sense of unity that prevailed at the weekend’s Swapo policy conference could be one of the most important small steps towards the party’s recovery.

Unity, however, has to be authentic, not cosmetic – as thinly suggested by those in attendance.

We are told there were in fact some attempts to alienate some of the party leaders because they are perceived to belong to this or that faction.

Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa has been roundly praised for her steadfast stance that no such victimisation of party members will be entertained.

But amid all this, Swapo’s biggest threat is not internal unity. In fact, internal divisions are only a tiny fraction of its challenges.

The ruling party's main Achilles heel is how it is perceived by the general electorate – men and women whose only interest is what the party has done for communities and constituencies.

If unity is restored simply so that comrades can regroup and strategise on their next corrupt scheme, Namibians will only punish the party further at the ballot.

It is for this exact reason party veteran Nahas Angula was cautious in his praise of the perceived new-found unity, calling it a ‘a good start’ but refusing to get carried away by a weekend-long sense of togetherness which can evaporate by Monday.

Issues of ethical leadership, as suggested by Angula, are more immediate than superficial unity. An ethical Swapo matters more to Namibians than a united Swapo.