Swapo carried Namibia through tough times – Ithete

Deputy Prime Minister and mines minister Natangwe Ithete has called on Namibians to continue supporting the ruling Swapo Party, saying it has carried the nation through some of its most difficult times.Speaking at the launch of the party’s Okaku Constituency election campaign in the Oshana Region on Saturday, Ithete urged voters to reaffirm their trust in Swapo, which he said had proven its ability to withstand adversity and ensure the wellbeing of citizens.“Through droughts, pandemics, floods, and economic challenges, the Swapo-led government has remained steadfast, protecting jobs, preserving peace, and keeping the nation together,” he said.“Swapo is the party of progress. It is the party of stability. It is the party that built the Namibia we are proud of today.”He added: “Swapo is indeed the people and the people are Swapo, because our party is born from the struggles, tears, and sacrifices of the brave sons and daughters of this nation. It is the party that liberated this country, brought us independence, and continues to deliver peace, stability, and progress for every Namibian.”Achievements since independenceIthete told residents of Okaku that they should vote for Swapo’s candidate in the upcoming regional and local government elections, stressing that the ruling party had consistently delivered on its promises since Independence.“Since Independence, the Swapo government has transformed this country from the ashes of colonial neglect into a modern, democratic, and developing state, with benefits reaching every corner of the country, including our beloved Okaku Constituency,” he said.Highlighting the government’s record in education, he said: “At Independence, education was a privilege for the few. Today, under Swapo, it is a right for all. We have built thousands of schools and expanded vocational and tertiary institutions. We introduced free primary and secondary education, and now, in 2026, free tertiary education. Many sons and daughters of Okaku have graduated, and more will still graduate because Swapo made education a national priority.”Turning to health and infrastructure, Ithete said: “Clinics and hospitals have been built closer to our people. Under Swapo, the right to health has become a reality, with maternity wards, rural health centres, and mobile clinics serving our communities.“Roads that connect villages, electricity that powers homes, and clean water that sustains life — these are not promises, these are the results of Swapo’s vision for equitable development. Okaku is not left behind; development has reached your doorstep.”He praised Namibia’s record of peace and political stability, saying: “While many nations have struggled with division and instability, Namibia remains a beacon of peace and unity. We are on our fifth president, with a peaceful transition every time. This is the legacy of Swapo — a leadership that values dialogue over conflict, and unity over division.”Call for continued supportAlthough acknowledging the party’s achievements, Ithete said there was still work to be done, urging voters to give Swapo another mandate to complete its programmes.“Comrades, while we are proud of the above-mentioned achievements, our work is not yet done. We are going to do much more. That’s why we are asking you to vote for Swapo and its candidate, Esther Fillemon, to continue with the implementation of our manifesto at constituency level,” he said.“The Swapo Party manifesto sets out a clear roadmap for the next chapter of Namibia’s development — a chapter of industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth.”“As the minister responsible for Industries, Mines and Energy, I can assure you that the government is working tirelessly to transform Namibia into a nation that produces, manufactures, and exports, not one that only consumes.”In the 2020 regional council elections, Swapo’s candidate, the late Gerson Hannu Kapenda, won the Okaku Constituency with 3,261 votes, while Foibe Nashongo of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) secured 970 votes.A by-election was held in March 2023 following Kapenda’s death in December 2022, in which Swapo’s candidate, David Fillipus, retained the seat for the ruling party.kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Swapo carried Namibia through tough times – Ithete

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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Swapo carried Namibia through tough times – Ithete

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-14

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