Nandi-Ndaitwah slams regionalism in Omusati address
Swapo Party vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says regionalism and tribalism are rearing their ugly heads in Namibia and must be stopped – lest they have lasting negative consequences for the country.
She gave a stern warning to the crowd at a Swapo rally - held at Outapi’s Olufuko Centre - that for Namibia to progress, the country must get rid of regional and tribal thinking.
“Our opponents... are trying their best to use this [to their advantage]. They keep mentioning Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto. They are speaking because these regions have a lot of people. So that Swapo can fall. So that this government can fall,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that Namibians must work in unity as this is the only way they can build this country.
“Namibia first before our regions. Namibia first before our tribes. Otherwise, we will play into the hands of our detractors. We should not allow it. Otherwise, history will condemn us.”
She said government will work towards striking a balance between regions and avoid developing one region or area at the expense of others, equating this to “curing the arm while the leg remains in pain”.
United
Nandi-Ndaitwah also used the platform to tell those in attendance that there is no bad blood between her and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, who she defeated at last year’s congress to retain her position as vice-president of the ruling party.
Shifeta was not present at the rally, but Nandi-Ndaitwah said he sent apologies that he would not make it and that he is supporting her presidential candidacy for 2024.
“You are saying we have not united. We want to assure you that we are united. Immediately after congress, we had lunch together with all our campaign managers.
“We even said because of the experience during those campaigns, the managers we used will continue with the main campaign come next year,” she said.
100% behind you
Swapo Party regional coordinator in the Omusati Region, Sacky Kayone, said they are supporting Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy and will do everything possible to make sure she emerges victorious.
He told the Swapo vice-president to strive for inner peace as they will fight for her.
“We assure you that here in Omusati, we support your candidacy. Don’t be scared of anyone. We are 100% behind you in all weather - hot or cold.
“We will deliver and hold the blue, green and red colours very high,” he said to loud applause.
She gave a stern warning to the crowd at a Swapo rally - held at Outapi’s Olufuko Centre - that for Namibia to progress, the country must get rid of regional and tribal thinking.
“Our opponents... are trying their best to use this [to their advantage]. They keep mentioning Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto. They are speaking because these regions have a lot of people. So that Swapo can fall. So that this government can fall,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that Namibians must work in unity as this is the only way they can build this country.
“Namibia first before our regions. Namibia first before our tribes. Otherwise, we will play into the hands of our detractors. We should not allow it. Otherwise, history will condemn us.”
She said government will work towards striking a balance between regions and avoid developing one region or area at the expense of others, equating this to “curing the arm while the leg remains in pain”.
United
Nandi-Ndaitwah also used the platform to tell those in attendance that there is no bad blood between her and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, who she defeated at last year’s congress to retain her position as vice-president of the ruling party.
Shifeta was not present at the rally, but Nandi-Ndaitwah said he sent apologies that he would not make it and that he is supporting her presidential candidacy for 2024.
“You are saying we have not united. We want to assure you that we are united. Immediately after congress, we had lunch together with all our campaign managers.
“We even said because of the experience during those campaigns, the managers we used will continue with the main campaign come next year,” she said.
100% behind you
Swapo Party regional coordinator in the Omusati Region, Sacky Kayone, said they are supporting Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy and will do everything possible to make sure she emerges victorious.
He told the Swapo vice-president to strive for inner peace as they will fight for her.
“We assure you that here in Omusati, we support your candidacy. Don’t be scared of anyone. We are 100% behind you in all weather - hot or cold.
“We will deliver and hold the blue, green and red colours very high,” he said to loud applause.
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