What is next for the Swapo Party School and who should be its next rector?

Hosea ShishiveniOnce envisioned as the ideological compass for Namibia’s ruling party, the Swapo Party School now finds itself in a worrying state of neglect. What was meant to be a revolutionary institution shaping the next generation of political leaders has gradually faded into obscurity since the passing of its founding rector, Marco Hausiku, in 2021. Today, the institution stands in limbo, its leadership unclear, its mission stalling, and its future uncertain. If urgent action is not taken, the Swapo Party School risks becoming nothing more than a forgotten chapter in Namibia’s political history, a painful irony for a party born from the liberation struggle.The school was first proposed during the 2002 Swapo Congress, with the mandate falling to the late Hidipo Hamutenya, then Swapo Party secretary for information and mobilisation. It took years of planning and visionary leadership, especially from revolutionaries like Marco Hausiku, Helmut Angula, Nahas Angula and the guiding hands of Dr Sam Nujoma and Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, to bring the school to life. More than just a political gesture, the school was conceived as a training ground for ideological clarity, unity and competence in governance.Its curriculum was not shallow. It included subjects like the history of Namibia from a Swapo perspective, the liberation struggle, law, political philosophy, party ideology, international solidarity, and comparative economic systems. It was to be the ideological university for cadres, central committee members, parliamentarians, and party officials, arming them not just with historical facts but with the tools to defend and advance the Swapomission in a complex, post-liberation society. The school has produced graduates and distinguished alumni, such as Namibia&#039;s Vice-President Lucia Witbooi and Minister of Home Affairs Lucia Iipumbu, who are needed to support the institution to ensure increased visibility, mentorship opportunities, and strategic engagement to ensure its sustainability.Lost momentumUnfortunately, since Hausiku’s death, the institution has lost momentum. The brief leadership of Charles Mubita, who has since moved on to become Deputy Minister of Defence, left the position of rector vacant once again. Rumours now swirl that the current governor of the Omusati Region may be next in line to take the role. But the central question remains: is this appointment based on merit or political convenience?As comrade Helmut Angula rightly asserted, party leaders must be ideologically coherent and rooted in the party’s foundational goals. They must rally behind the party, not behind their personal popularity or regional support bases. This critical task of instilling such discipline in future generations cannot be left to chance or to the hands of the unqualified.The Swapo Party School is not just a symbolic house of learning – it is an incubator for political continuity, and it requires a leader who understands both the political and academic dimensions of such a mission. For that reason, several exceptional candidates arise, each contributing distinct strengths, but as a scholar, I specifically endorse the following noteworthy individuals with their respective qualities:First among them is Professor Andrew Niikondo, a man whose credentials and revolutionary background speak volumes. A PLAN veteran and lifelong Swapo member, he also holds a PhD in public administration and has served in several academic leadership roles, including as Vice-Chancellor of NUST (temp basis). His blend of intellectualism and liberation experience makes him arguably the most qualified to steer the Swapo Party School toward becoming a registered, NQA-accredited academic institution.Dr Peya Mushelenga also stands out as a compelling candidate. A respected scholar and Cabinet minister, Mushelenga has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and education. He understands the demands of leadership in both theory and practice, and his academic achievements align well with the Party School’s founding mission.Another worthy candidate is Laura Mcleod-Katjirua, a liberation stalwart with a long history in Swapo structures and local governance. A product of exile education in Zambia and East Germany, Mcleod-Katjirua brings historical context, administrative experience and gender representation to the conversation. Her time as governor and deputy secretary-general of Swapo equips her with the institutional knowledge and discipline that the school urgently needs.Mounting challengesThe Swapo Party School cannot afford to be another victim of internal politics, nepotism, or regional favouritism. Leadership must be based on merit, not popularity. Namibia faces mounting challenges from rising youth unemployment to ideological drift among the political elite. To uphold this mandate, the board is strongly urged to ensure a transparent and merit-based interview process that identifies the most qualified and competent individual to lead the institution.Furthermore, the SPS board, in collaboration with Swapo leadership, should implement structured mechanisms to enhance accountability and performance. This could include instituting a fixed employment term, such as five years for the head of the school, with clearly defined performance metrics to foster productivity and continuous improvement. What is needed is a merit-based, visionary appointment that respects the intentions of the founding figures like Marco Hausiku, Helmut Angula, and Nahas Angula.Let us be clear: this is not merely about academic prestige. It is about preserving the revolutionary flame that gave birth to Namibia’s independence. The Swapo Party School cannot afford to be led by a placeholder. It needs a transformational leader, someone who can champion the institution’s accreditation by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), develop its curriculum into nationally and regionally relevant content, and eventually elevate it to college status.In conclusion, the Swapo Party School is not beyond saving, but it is dangerously close to irrelevance. If the party is serious about its legacy and future, it must act now. Choose a leader who embodies both the academic weight and revolutionary spirit necessary to restore the institution’s credibility and impact. The school must not be allowed to fade. It must be reborn stronger, more structured, and more strategic than ever before. Let merit, not allegiance or convenience, guide the next chapter of this institution. Let the torch be passed to those who can carry it with dignity, intellect, and revolutionary discipline.*Hosea Shishiveni is a Namibian scholar and researcher and can be contacted at hoseasn8@gmail.com. The views herein are his own.

What is next for the Swapo Party School and who should be its next rector?

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-27

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What is next for the Swapo Party School and who should be its next rector?

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-27

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