Sankwasa unfazed by ‘political prostitute’ Kanyetu’s criticism
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has hit back at Action Democratic Movement (ADM) vice-president Vinsent Kanyetu, describing him as “a political prostitute who hops from one political party to another” in response to criticism over his leadership at local authorities.
While Sankwasa has received praise for addressing maladministration in municipalities, Kanyetu dis-missed the minister’s efforts, calling him “a toothless dog” who is failing to fulfil his core mandate.
Kanyetu criticised Sankwasa’s focus on administrative issues such as the whereabouts of councillors and the abuse of subsistence and travel allowances (S&T), instead of addressing what he called “bread and butter” matters, including homelessness and housing.
“While hundreds of thousands of Namibians remain homeless and landless, Sankwasa is busy fighting councillors and administrators over peripheral issues,” he said.
He added that several government-constructed houses under the mass housing scheme remain unoccu-pied or vandalised.
“We have been discussing this issue with my friends - some in Swapo - and we talked about the current administration,” Kanyetu said.
“There is a good tone from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Sankwasa and others. But there is too little that we can feel on the ground, apart from good speeches crafted by their personal assistants.”
Kanyetu continued: “We’re just hearing Sankwasa saying good things in newspapers or on TV, but we don’t see anything. As we speak, some of those mass housing units are being vandalised, and hundreds of thousands of people remain without homes.”
“Sankwasa is what one would call a dog that barks but does not bite - a toothless one. He’s all over the news, but people are not seeing the impact of his ministry.”
“I am not saying he is not doing anything, but based on the praise he is getting, one must ask: What is the lived experience of the homeless and landless? If you ask them, they will tell you nothing has changed.”
“People want to see real change, not just hear good speeches. Anyone can write or recite a speech, but that’s not what our country needs right now.”
Rundu under Swapo
Kanyetu also responded to Sankwasa’s recent statement suggesting that opposition-run local authorities are among the worst in terms of governance. He pointed to Rundu - dominated by Swapo since inde-pendence - as an example.
“I wanted to laugh when I saw Sankwasa on TV saying opposition-run towns are the worst. Between Windhoek and Zambezi Region, where Sankwasa comes from, the biggest town is Rundu - and it’s been governed by Swapo for decades,” Kanyetu said.
“If it wasn’t for John Mutorwa, who has been pushing for development - especially roads - Rundu would still be among the worst-run towns in Namibia.”
‘I won’t waste my time’
When contacted for comment, Sankwasa brushed off Kanyetu’s remarks, referring to the opposition leader as a “political prostitute” due to his record of shifting party allegiances.
Kanyetu has previously served as a leader in the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and was also secretary-general of the All People’s Party (APP), before being expelled.
“My time is too valuable to be wasted on engaging a political prostitute who keeps hopping from one political party to another looking for survival,” Sankwasa said.
“Secondly, my activity timetable, which follows due process, is far beyond his comprehension.” - [email protected]
While Sankwasa has received praise for addressing maladministration in municipalities, Kanyetu dis-missed the minister’s efforts, calling him “a toothless dog” who is failing to fulfil his core mandate.
Kanyetu criticised Sankwasa’s focus on administrative issues such as the whereabouts of councillors and the abuse of subsistence and travel allowances (S&T), instead of addressing what he called “bread and butter” matters, including homelessness and housing.
“While hundreds of thousands of Namibians remain homeless and landless, Sankwasa is busy fighting councillors and administrators over peripheral issues,” he said.
He added that several government-constructed houses under the mass housing scheme remain unoccu-pied or vandalised.
“We have been discussing this issue with my friends - some in Swapo - and we talked about the current administration,” Kanyetu said.
“There is a good tone from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Sankwasa and others. But there is too little that we can feel on the ground, apart from good speeches crafted by their personal assistants.”
Kanyetu continued: “We’re just hearing Sankwasa saying good things in newspapers or on TV, but we don’t see anything. As we speak, some of those mass housing units are being vandalised, and hundreds of thousands of people remain without homes.”
“Sankwasa is what one would call a dog that barks but does not bite - a toothless one. He’s all over the news, but people are not seeing the impact of his ministry.”
“I am not saying he is not doing anything, but based on the praise he is getting, one must ask: What is the lived experience of the homeless and landless? If you ask them, they will tell you nothing has changed.”
“People want to see real change, not just hear good speeches. Anyone can write or recite a speech, but that’s not what our country needs right now.”
Rundu under Swapo
Kanyetu also responded to Sankwasa’s recent statement suggesting that opposition-run local authorities are among the worst in terms of governance. He pointed to Rundu - dominated by Swapo since inde-pendence - as an example.
“I wanted to laugh when I saw Sankwasa on TV saying opposition-run towns are the worst. Between Windhoek and Zambezi Region, where Sankwasa comes from, the biggest town is Rundu - and it’s been governed by Swapo for decades,” Kanyetu said.
“If it wasn’t for John Mutorwa, who has been pushing for development - especially roads - Rundu would still be among the worst-run towns in Namibia.”
‘I won’t waste my time’
When contacted for comment, Sankwasa brushed off Kanyetu’s remarks, referring to the opposition leader as a “political prostitute” due to his record of shifting party allegiances.
Kanyetu has previously served as a leader in the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) and was also secretary-general of the All People’s Party (APP), before being expelled.
“My time is too valuable to be wasted on engaging a political prostitute who keeps hopping from one political party to another looking for survival,” Sankwasa said.
“Secondly, my activity timetable, which follows due process, is far beyond his comprehension.” - [email protected]
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