Swapo suspends regional coordinator over alleged mismanagement
The Swapo regional executive committee (REC) in Kavango East has suspended regional coordinator Ottilie Shinduvi over allegations of financial mismanagement and breaches of party principles.
The suspension follows an extensive investigation conducted by a special committee chaired by former Namibian ambassador to Austria Simon Maruta. The findings allegedly revealed serious irregularities, including nepotism, tribalism, and the misappropriation of party funds. A report dated July 2022 detailed these infractions, concluding that Shinduvi’s actions had caused "irreparable harm and great reputational damage" to the Swapo Party.
One of the primary reasons for Shinduvi’s suspension was her failure to present financial reports for 2022 to 2024, a requirement under the Swapo Party constitution. This omission not only embarrassed the REC but also raised concerns over fiscal responsibility and transparency within the party, the report states.
Compounding the crisis, the resignation of regional treasurer Patrick Haingura in December 2023 further exposed leadership shortcomings. The REC was not informed of the resignation in a timely manner, in violation of the party’s constitution. REC members questioned why the resignation letter had been withheld and pointed to Shinduvi’s alleged habit of placing individuals in key positions and exerting undue influence over them.
Shinduvi’s leadership also came under scrutiny for poor coordination of election campaigns. Reports indicate she failed to organise mini-rallies across districts and did not establish a regional campaign activity program. Furthermore, in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections, party agents in Kavango East either went unpaid or experienced delays in receiving their allowances, further demoralising Swapo supporters.
The special committee’s report confirmed multiple irregularities, including allegations of tribalism, nepotism, and the misuse of party resources. According to REC members, Shinduvi fostered an environment where favouritism dictated appointments, undermining the principles of democracy, solidarity, and social justice that Swapo was founded on.
In response to these findings, the REC has resolved to suspend Shinduvi with immediate effect under Article 40(8) of the Swapo Party Constitution. Additionally, the REC decided to suspend individuals whom she allegedly appointed to key positions. Specifically, the regional mobilizer has been suspended under Article 42(7), while the regional treasurer’s resignation was accepted and reinforced with Article 41(8) to suspend him from the date of his resignation.
Shinduvi could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. - [email protected]
The suspension follows an extensive investigation conducted by a special committee chaired by former Namibian ambassador to Austria Simon Maruta. The findings allegedly revealed serious irregularities, including nepotism, tribalism, and the misappropriation of party funds. A report dated July 2022 detailed these infractions, concluding that Shinduvi’s actions had caused "irreparable harm and great reputational damage" to the Swapo Party.
One of the primary reasons for Shinduvi’s suspension was her failure to present financial reports for 2022 to 2024, a requirement under the Swapo Party constitution. This omission not only embarrassed the REC but also raised concerns over fiscal responsibility and transparency within the party, the report states.
Compounding the crisis, the resignation of regional treasurer Patrick Haingura in December 2023 further exposed leadership shortcomings. The REC was not informed of the resignation in a timely manner, in violation of the party’s constitution. REC members questioned why the resignation letter had been withheld and pointed to Shinduvi’s alleged habit of placing individuals in key positions and exerting undue influence over them.
Shinduvi’s leadership also came under scrutiny for poor coordination of election campaigns. Reports indicate she failed to organise mini-rallies across districts and did not establish a regional campaign activity program. Furthermore, in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections, party agents in Kavango East either went unpaid or experienced delays in receiving their allowances, further demoralising Swapo supporters.
The special committee’s report confirmed multiple irregularities, including allegations of tribalism, nepotism, and the misuse of party resources. According to REC members, Shinduvi fostered an environment where favouritism dictated appointments, undermining the principles of democracy, solidarity, and social justice that Swapo was founded on.
In response to these findings, the REC has resolved to suspend Shinduvi with immediate effect under Article 40(8) of the Swapo Party Constitution. Additionally, the REC decided to suspend individuals whom she allegedly appointed to key positions. Specifically, the regional mobilizer has been suspended under Article 42(7), while the regional treasurer’s resignation was accepted and reinforced with Article 41(8) to suspend him from the date of his resignation.
Shinduvi could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. - [email protected]
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