Shaningwa dashes Ekandjo’s candidacy hopes
Swapo has displayed its clearest stance on the party’s 2024 presidential candidate yet after secretary general Sophia Shaningwa made it "very clear" that Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy in that election is sealed.
Former Cabinet minister Jerry Ekandjo recently requested party president Hage Geingob to convene an extraordinary congress this year to nominate Swapo’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
Shaningwa made the remarks while addressing about 400 people who turned up for a party rally held in Rehoboth's Block E (Vredes Boom) on Saturday, headlined by Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Unequivocal support
During her introduction of Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is Swapo’s vice-president, Shaningwa said she wanted to make it very clear that Nandi-Ndaitwah is the party's only candidate for Namibia's 2024 presidential and national elections.
Describing Nandi-Ndaitwah as a seasoned diplomat, Shaningwa said: "I am talking about a person who never wavered and remained steadfast. A seasoned politician. She will never let you down.”
Shaningwa, a former councillor for Windhoek West constituency, recalled: "She made me a councillor and campaigned for me, and I think it's high time that I do the same. I am done already; I am the secretary general.”
Shaningwa said henceforth her only duty will be to listen to Nandi-Ndaitwah, whom she metaphorically compared to a fine mature wine.
Not on the campaign trail
Although sparsely attended, the rally was graced by Swapo politburo and central committee members, including Sisa Namandje, Iipumbu Shiimi, Lucia Witbooi and Peya Mushelenga.
On several occasions, the crowd was cheered on and encouraged to partake in applause and ululations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the community should not confuse her visit to the region as a campaign stunt but rather as an opportunity for party members to stay informed.
"It is now time for the Hardap Region to go back and strategise on how we [Swapo] can claim back our region from the opposition. I am here to fulfil a decision from the Swapo party leadership.
Talk to the people
Swapo lost the two southern regions, Hardap and ||Karas, to the Landless People’s Movement in the 2020 regional and local authority elections.
"Following [the 7th elective congress in late 2022], our leadership decided to dispel the myth that we as leaders only go to people during campaigns. As the national leadership, we must go back to the people to make sure members are kept informed on the happenings within the party," Nandi-Ndaitwah told those in attendance.
She said the Hardap Region was the sixth region she has visited so far after she was re-elected as vice-president to share information with party members about the outcome of the concluded congress.
"I pledge to fulfil the responsibility that you have given me. There is nothing we can do to address the challenges of our people moving forward unless we are united," she said.
Opportunity abounds
Nandi-Ndaitwah furthermore discussed potential tourism-related economic opportunities in the Hardap Region, highlighting attractions such as Oanob Lake, Hardap Dam and the Hoachanas settlement.
"I was impressed when I heard the history of Hoachanas and the different sites it has in remembrance of our chiefs as well as the springs. When these things are developed, they can even become an attraction to schools and become part and parcel of the broader Namibia," she said.
The vice-president said the region has the potential to become an economic activity-generating tourist hub.
Former Cabinet minister Jerry Ekandjo recently requested party president Hage Geingob to convene an extraordinary congress this year to nominate Swapo’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
Shaningwa made the remarks while addressing about 400 people who turned up for a party rally held in Rehoboth's Block E (Vredes Boom) on Saturday, headlined by Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Unequivocal support
During her introduction of Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is Swapo’s vice-president, Shaningwa said she wanted to make it very clear that Nandi-Ndaitwah is the party's only candidate for Namibia's 2024 presidential and national elections.
Describing Nandi-Ndaitwah as a seasoned diplomat, Shaningwa said: "I am talking about a person who never wavered and remained steadfast. A seasoned politician. She will never let you down.”
Shaningwa, a former councillor for Windhoek West constituency, recalled: "She made me a councillor and campaigned for me, and I think it's high time that I do the same. I am done already; I am the secretary general.”
Shaningwa said henceforth her only duty will be to listen to Nandi-Ndaitwah, whom she metaphorically compared to a fine mature wine.
Not on the campaign trail
Although sparsely attended, the rally was graced by Swapo politburo and central committee members, including Sisa Namandje, Iipumbu Shiimi, Lucia Witbooi and Peya Mushelenga.
On several occasions, the crowd was cheered on and encouraged to partake in applause and ululations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the community should not confuse her visit to the region as a campaign stunt but rather as an opportunity for party members to stay informed.
"It is now time for the Hardap Region to go back and strategise on how we [Swapo] can claim back our region from the opposition. I am here to fulfil a decision from the Swapo party leadership.
Talk to the people
Swapo lost the two southern regions, Hardap and ||Karas, to the Landless People’s Movement in the 2020 regional and local authority elections.
"Following [the 7th elective congress in late 2022], our leadership decided to dispel the myth that we as leaders only go to people during campaigns. As the national leadership, we must go back to the people to make sure members are kept informed on the happenings within the party," Nandi-Ndaitwah told those in attendance.
She said the Hardap Region was the sixth region she has visited so far after she was re-elected as vice-president to share information with party members about the outcome of the concluded congress.
"I pledge to fulfil the responsibility that you have given me. There is nothing we can do to address the challenges of our people moving forward unless we are united," she said.
Opportunity abounds
Nandi-Ndaitwah furthermore discussed potential tourism-related economic opportunities in the Hardap Region, highlighting attractions such as Oanob Lake, Hardap Dam and the Hoachanas settlement.
"I was impressed when I heard the history of Hoachanas and the different sites it has in remembrance of our chiefs as well as the springs. When these things are developed, they can even become an attraction to schools and become part and parcel of the broader Namibia," she said.
The vice-president said the region has the potential to become an economic activity-generating tourist hub.
Comments