Haufiku allays concerns over Netumbo’s age
Former health minister Dr Bernhard Haufiku says there are young people currently in jail for corruption and other crimes, hence Swapo vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s advanced age should not be a barrier to her leadership of Namibia.
If Nandi-Ndaitwah, who turns 70 next month, retains her position as vice-president at the party congress in November, she will become the Swapo presidential candidate in the 2024 general election and could become the country’s head of state.
Her age has however raised concerns in some quarters, but Haufiku, who is one of her supporters ahead of congress, says there is a plan in place to cushion the impact of her age.
"I strongly believe she will rely on the resourcefulness of other members of the party and others who can make a contribution in the private sector, including the media," Haufiku said.
Being young, Haufiku argues, is not a guarantee for good leadership.
“We have young people in jail for committing crimes. Young people committing gender-based violence crimes and those not taking any responsibility. I agree that biologically there is an advancement in age, but I would never think that will be a constraint in her leading, especially given the fact that a person doesn’t lead the country as one.”
Bold steps
Nandi-Ndaitwah is in the race with Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, while Jerry Ekandjo is also widely expected to join the race.
Haufiku, and those aligning with Nandi-Ndaitwah, joined her at Ondobe in Ohangwena Region on Saturday, where she addressed a belated Heroes Day commemoration event.
Speaking to Namibian Sun shortly after the event, Haufiku said he was rallying behind Nandi-Ndaitwah because she is the face they are looking for, and they have put all their hope and trust in her.
“She has values that we all know. I am not here to treat her as an angel as she is a human being like all of us, but given the chance, she can take us forward. This is not to discount other candidates. Swapo has capable people but we have to pick one. This is what we are looking at and this is the hope and trust we put in her. We are not going to compromise on it,” he said.
Haufiku said Nandi-Ndaitwah is an awe-inspiring leader who can change the economic landscape of Namibia and bring the country back to its “glory days”.
“That is what makes a leader. I see those qualities in her. I am not saying others don’t have that, but ultimately there will be one chosen. This country needs someone to take it out of the current economic and social situation. Someone who can take bold steps. This will come about when someone listens and works with everyone that matters,” he said.
The legacy continues
Swapo member of parliament, Lucia Witbooi, a candidate for deputy secretary general and a perceived running mate of Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the party cannot tamper with the foundation of its legacy – which includes endorsing the party vice-president as heir apparent to the official presidential candidate for general elections.
“I didn’t decide today, but I decided way back already, that the legacy should continue. Former president Sam Nujoma gave us Hifikepunye Pohamba. Pohamba gave us Hage Geingob. Now it is Netumbo. Although Geingob said he would not endorse anyone, we feel the legacy should continue and we will try our best to make sure it does,” Witbooi said.
Swapo party regional coordinators and district coordinators from //Karas, Omaheke, Zambezi and Hardap regions were also present at the occasion to show their support to the Swapo VP.
Also present were former defence minister Charles Namoloh, former deputy minister of works and transport Sankwasa James Sankwasa, former labour minister Erkki Nghimtina, former deputy minister of finance Natangwe Iithete, and former environment minister Uahekua Herunga.
Kornelia Shilunga, deputy mines and energy minister, Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua and the chief executive officer of the Lüderitz Waterfront, Fluksman Samuehl, were also present.
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If Nandi-Ndaitwah, who turns 70 next month, retains her position as vice-president at the party congress in November, she will become the Swapo presidential candidate in the 2024 general election and could become the country’s head of state.
Her age has however raised concerns in some quarters, but Haufiku, who is one of her supporters ahead of congress, says there is a plan in place to cushion the impact of her age.
"I strongly believe she will rely on the resourcefulness of other members of the party and others who can make a contribution in the private sector, including the media," Haufiku said.
Being young, Haufiku argues, is not a guarantee for good leadership.
“We have young people in jail for committing crimes. Young people committing gender-based violence crimes and those not taking any responsibility. I agree that biologically there is an advancement in age, but I would never think that will be a constraint in her leading, especially given the fact that a person doesn’t lead the country as one.”
Bold steps
Nandi-Ndaitwah is in the race with Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, while Jerry Ekandjo is also widely expected to join the race.
Haufiku, and those aligning with Nandi-Ndaitwah, joined her at Ondobe in Ohangwena Region on Saturday, where she addressed a belated Heroes Day commemoration event.
Speaking to Namibian Sun shortly after the event, Haufiku said he was rallying behind Nandi-Ndaitwah because she is the face they are looking for, and they have put all their hope and trust in her.
“She has values that we all know. I am not here to treat her as an angel as she is a human being like all of us, but given the chance, she can take us forward. This is not to discount other candidates. Swapo has capable people but we have to pick one. This is what we are looking at and this is the hope and trust we put in her. We are not going to compromise on it,” he said.
Haufiku said Nandi-Ndaitwah is an awe-inspiring leader who can change the economic landscape of Namibia and bring the country back to its “glory days”.
“That is what makes a leader. I see those qualities in her. I am not saying others don’t have that, but ultimately there will be one chosen. This country needs someone to take it out of the current economic and social situation. Someone who can take bold steps. This will come about when someone listens and works with everyone that matters,” he said.
The legacy continues
Swapo member of parliament, Lucia Witbooi, a candidate for deputy secretary general and a perceived running mate of Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the party cannot tamper with the foundation of its legacy – which includes endorsing the party vice-president as heir apparent to the official presidential candidate for general elections.
“I didn’t decide today, but I decided way back already, that the legacy should continue. Former president Sam Nujoma gave us Hifikepunye Pohamba. Pohamba gave us Hage Geingob. Now it is Netumbo. Although Geingob said he would not endorse anyone, we feel the legacy should continue and we will try our best to make sure it does,” Witbooi said.
Swapo party regional coordinators and district coordinators from //Karas, Omaheke, Zambezi and Hardap regions were also present at the occasion to show their support to the Swapo VP.
Also present were former defence minister Charles Namoloh, former deputy minister of works and transport Sankwasa James Sankwasa, former labour minister Erkki Nghimtina, former deputy minister of finance Natangwe Iithete, and former environment minister Uahekua Herunga.
Kornelia Shilunga, deputy mines and energy minister, Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua and the chief executive officer of the Lüderitz Waterfront, Fluksman Samuehl, were also present.
[email protected]
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