Mbangu slams Dingara a ‘political ghost’ over exclusion remarks
Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu has rejected remarks by Swapo member Elifas Dingara on his exclusion from the National Council, saying Dingara has no standing to comment on Swapo ideology.
In a message circulated on a WhatsApp group last week, Dingara rejected suggestions that Mbangu was removed due to voter rejection or hostility in the region.
Dingara explained that the decision was rooted in party dynamics rather than public opinion.
He noted that while voters elect regional councillors, they do not directly elect representatives to the National Council.
That authority, he explained, rests with the regional council, acting through the majority party – in this case Swapo.
Allegations
Speaking to Namibian Sun last Friday, Mbangu said he had initially chosen not to engage publicly on the matter, describing it as “unethical” to do so.
Mbangu, who represented the region in the National Council from 2020 to 2025, accused Dingara of lacking the moral authority to lecture others on party principles.
He alleged that Dingara had been trained as a Koevoet operative during the liberation struggle and argued that this background disqualified him from speaking on Swapo ideology. Mbangu described Dingara as “a political ghost” and accused him of benefiting from the party without committing to its values.
He also linked his remarks to personal loss, noting that a family member was shot dead in Mayana in 1989 during the struggle.
Mbangu said former Koevoet members should refrain from making comments that provoke political tensions.
Asked whether his exclusion from the National Council would affect his service delivery, he dismissed the suggestion, saying leadership was not dependent on position.
“Leadership is all about service, regardless of where you find yourself,” he said, adding that he would continue serving his constituents.
Not personal
In a telephone interview with Namibian Sun yesterday, Dingara refused to comment on Mbangu's Koevoet allegation and said his remarks had been misunderstood.
He denied launching a personal attack on Mbangu, stressing that his intention was simply to clarify why Swapo was not at fault in Mbangu’s exclusion, amid widespread confusion about the decision.
Dingara reiterated that political parties have the right to decide who they deploy to national structures and stressed that his comments were intended to address public confusion, not to criticise Mbangu.
“I only tried to explain the matter because people do not yet understand why Mbangu did not go to the National Council,” he said.
He stressed that he had never said Mbangu was underperforming and stressed that Mbangu had not failed in his duties.
He also emphasised that he had no personal issues with Mbangu.
Voters’ petition
The exchange follows a peaceful demonstration held in Rundu last Friday, where members of the Rundu Concerned Group handed a petition to Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, calling for Mbangu’s reinstatement to the National Council.
Committee chairperson Patrick Kashera said the group would not be intimidated and urged Swapo to include representatives who prioritise the needs of the Kavango region.
Kashera said the group demanded a clear explanation for Mbangu’s exclusion and insisted that the issue be addressed urgently.
Hambyuka received the petition and said it would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities, promising feedback once a response was received.
Mbangu’s exclusion has drawn sustained attention since his swearing-in as a regional councillor last week, where he argued that the decision had “stifled the voice of the people” and undermined democratic principles.
He accused Swapo of silencing voters by blocking independent candidates from the National Council despite strong electoral support and claimed that capable representatives were being sidelined.
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In a message circulated on a WhatsApp group last week, Dingara rejected suggestions that Mbangu was removed due to voter rejection or hostility in the region.
Dingara explained that the decision was rooted in party dynamics rather than public opinion.
He noted that while voters elect regional councillors, they do not directly elect representatives to the National Council.
That authority, he explained, rests with the regional council, acting through the majority party – in this case Swapo.
Allegations
Speaking to Namibian Sun last Friday, Mbangu said he had initially chosen not to engage publicly on the matter, describing it as “unethical” to do so.
Mbangu, who represented the region in the National Council from 2020 to 2025, accused Dingara of lacking the moral authority to lecture others on party principles.
He alleged that Dingara had been trained as a Koevoet operative during the liberation struggle and argued that this background disqualified him from speaking on Swapo ideology. Mbangu described Dingara as “a political ghost” and accused him of benefiting from the party without committing to its values.
He also linked his remarks to personal loss, noting that a family member was shot dead in Mayana in 1989 during the struggle.
Mbangu said former Koevoet members should refrain from making comments that provoke political tensions.
Asked whether his exclusion from the National Council would affect his service delivery, he dismissed the suggestion, saying leadership was not dependent on position.
“Leadership is all about service, regardless of where you find yourself,” he said, adding that he would continue serving his constituents.
Not personal
In a telephone interview with Namibian Sun yesterday, Dingara refused to comment on Mbangu's Koevoet allegation and said his remarks had been misunderstood.
He denied launching a personal attack on Mbangu, stressing that his intention was simply to clarify why Swapo was not at fault in Mbangu’s exclusion, amid widespread confusion about the decision.
Dingara reiterated that political parties have the right to decide who they deploy to national structures and stressed that his comments were intended to address public confusion, not to criticise Mbangu.
“I only tried to explain the matter because people do not yet understand why Mbangu did not go to the National Council,” he said.
He stressed that he had never said Mbangu was underperforming and stressed that Mbangu had not failed in his duties.
He also emphasised that he had no personal issues with Mbangu.
Voters’ petition
The exchange follows a peaceful demonstration held in Rundu last Friday, where members of the Rundu Concerned Group handed a petition to Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, calling for Mbangu’s reinstatement to the National Council.
Committee chairperson Patrick Kashera said the group would not be intimidated and urged Swapo to include representatives who prioritise the needs of the Kavango region.
Kashera said the group demanded a clear explanation for Mbangu’s exclusion and insisted that the issue be addressed urgently.
Hambyuka received the petition and said it would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities, promising feedback once a response was received.
Mbangu’s exclusion has drawn sustained attention since his swearing-in as a regional councillor last week, where he argued that the decision had “stifled the voice of the people” and undermined democratic principles.
He accused Swapo of silencing voters by blocking independent candidates from the National Council despite strong electoral support and claimed that capable representatives were being sidelined.
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