Ex-mayor hits back after Swapo expulsion
Former Oniipa mayor Augustus Jafet, who was excommunicated by the ruling Swapo Party after deciding to contest next month’s election as an independent candidate, says he was repeatedly muzzled and forced to obey party directives even when they clashed with the Local Authorities Act.
Jafet told Namibian Sun over the weekend that the constant interference by Swapo leaders left him unable to perform his duties lawfully or effectively, ultimately compelling him to quit the party.
“I was not elected for salary collection but to serve the community for better development,” he said. “However, I was always blocked from implementing the right decisions for the town’s progress. I was told to follow the party line, even on matters governed by the Local Authority Act.”
“Apparently, because I was under the party ticket, I had to obey every directive from the party – even when it conflicted with the law. Therefore, I was unable to incorporate two books at once,” he added. “Each book — the Local Authority Act and the Swapo Constitution — applies where it belongs, as long as it does not undermine the national Constitution, which is the supreme law.”
Ousted for independence
His remarks come days after Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa instructed Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu to ensure Jafet’s removal as Oniipa mayor, citing his decision to run as an independent candidate in the Oniipa Constituency during the upcoming regional council elections.
“Augustus, who has registered as an independent candidate in Oniipa Constituency to contest against the Swapo Party’s candidate, has excommunicated himself as a member of Swapo pursuant to Article 6 (1) of the Swapo Party Constitution,” Shaningwa wrote to Amukwiyu.
“Henceforth, he is recalled as a Swapo Party councillor of Oniipa Town Council and is excommunicated from all positions he held in Swapo Party structures,” she added.
Community engagement clash
Jafet, who was previously suspended by Swapo after allegedly colluding with opposition councillors to secure his election as mayor, said tensions escalated when he created a WhatsApp group to engage residents on service delivery issues.
“I created a community WhatsApp group to interact directly with residents. Problems started when two fellow councillors were accused of corruption, and I refused to close the group after they complained to the party,” he said.
“That group was not a Swapo platform — it was for community engagement. From that point, some comrades started plotting against me.”
‘How did Swapo know?’
Jafet further questioned how Swapo became aware of his alleged registration as an independent candidate before the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) officially releases the candidate list on 16 October.
“Even if it were true, how did Swapo know? Are we saying there’s no more secrecy and that ECN is Swapo?” he asked.
Despite his expulsion, Jafet insists he still considers himself a loyal member of the ruling party.
“I accept their decision, but I remain committed to Swapo. I joined voluntarily and used my own resources to promote the party’s message,” he said.
Jafet told Namibian Sun over the weekend that the constant interference by Swapo leaders left him unable to perform his duties lawfully or effectively, ultimately compelling him to quit the party.
“I was not elected for salary collection but to serve the community for better development,” he said. “However, I was always blocked from implementing the right decisions for the town’s progress. I was told to follow the party line, even on matters governed by the Local Authority Act.”
“Apparently, because I was under the party ticket, I had to obey every directive from the party – even when it conflicted with the law. Therefore, I was unable to incorporate two books at once,” he added. “Each book — the Local Authority Act and the Swapo Constitution — applies where it belongs, as long as it does not undermine the national Constitution, which is the supreme law.”
Ousted for independence
His remarks come days after Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa instructed Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu to ensure Jafet’s removal as Oniipa mayor, citing his decision to run as an independent candidate in the Oniipa Constituency during the upcoming regional council elections.
“Augustus, who has registered as an independent candidate in Oniipa Constituency to contest against the Swapo Party’s candidate, has excommunicated himself as a member of Swapo pursuant to Article 6 (1) of the Swapo Party Constitution,” Shaningwa wrote to Amukwiyu.
“Henceforth, he is recalled as a Swapo Party councillor of Oniipa Town Council and is excommunicated from all positions he held in Swapo Party structures,” she added.
Community engagement clash
Jafet, who was previously suspended by Swapo after allegedly colluding with opposition councillors to secure his election as mayor, said tensions escalated when he created a WhatsApp group to engage residents on service delivery issues.
“I created a community WhatsApp group to interact directly with residents. Problems started when two fellow councillors were accused of corruption, and I refused to close the group after they complained to the party,” he said.
“That group was not a Swapo platform — it was for community engagement. From that point, some comrades started plotting against me.”
‘How did Swapo know?’
Jafet further questioned how Swapo became aware of his alleged registration as an independent candidate before the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) officially releases the candidate list on 16 October.
“Even if it were true, how did Swapo know? Are we saying there’s no more secrecy and that ECN is Swapo?” he asked.
Despite his expulsion, Jafet insists he still considers himself a loyal member of the ruling party.
“I accept their decision, but I remain committed to Swapo. I joined voluntarily and used my own resources to promote the party’s message,” he said.
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