Mbumba’s 'Swapo does not make empty promises' claim challenged

President Nangolo Mbumba’s statement that Swapo does not make empty promises saw him being described as ‘out of touch’ with the socioeconomic reality facing the majority of Namibians.Speaking at a Swapo rally at Endola in the Ohangwena Region, Mbumba told party supporters ahead of the 27 November presidential and National Assembly elections: “We do not make empty promises like the many political groupings”.He said opposition parties are in the habit of promising the electorate heaven on earth. “As I said, we [Swapo] have a track record and we have delivered, so give us the mandate, buy into this manifesto and we shall continue delivering,” Mbumba, a former Swapo secretary-general, said.“Swapo has achieved remarkable successes and, yes, we do realise that there are problems. Problems are to be solved by people and parties that are properly organised,” the outgoing head of state - campaigning for party candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah - remarked.No heaven, no paradise“l appeal to you not to make the mistake of voting for those parties and leaders who are promising manna from heaven. They will never bring you any heaven nor any paradise,” Mbumba said. “Swapo is what we know, Swapo is the party that gave us freedom, gave us stability, peace and opportunities to pursue.”He went on to say that no party can match Swapo’s leadership pedigree.“No other party can compare to Swapo’s track record in governance. We have maintained peace, stability and security for 34 years. We have ensured smooth leadership transitions in both the party and government; no civil wars or political assassinations in Namibia,” Mbumba said.Out of touchPolitical analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah yesterday told Namibian Sun that Mbumba’s remarks were reminiscent of someone who is not aware of the realities on the ground.“Of course, we have to take it in the context of politics. It is a political statement. But that also shows that some Swapo leaders - in particular Mbumba himself as the president - are out of touch with reality in terms of the socioeconomic condition in which a lot of Namibians find themselves,” he said.“Swapo has been in power since independence. What they&#039;re supposed to do in terms of their campaign is really to showcase their achievements. But that is not what is happening. So they are again going back to rhetorical speeches that are not in touch with the realities on the ground,” he added.“What is Swapo going to do differently than what they have been doing for 34 years? That is what they should tell the voters.”In voters’ handsAccording to economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, politicians can say what they want, but the final decision lies with the voters. “Look, the bargaining chip is in the hands of the voter, so the voter is the one to decide where to cast his vote.”He added: “The voters have the right to vote with their feet, meaning that if they think Swapo did not do a good job, they are free to go and vote for another party. But if they think that Swapo did a good job, then they are going to give it another chance for another five years.”kenya@namibiansun.com

Mbumba’s 'Swapo does not make empty promises' claim challenged

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Mbumba’s 'Swapo does not make empty promises' claim challenged

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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