There's no reason why former President Sam Nujoma, who remains the leader of the ruling party, can't do his thing as well to sort out the situation.

I SAY this because in all cases where the infighting manifests itself, rescue teams, usually from Government ranks, have to try and salvage the situation, and this costs money, especially if it's coming from Government, and not Swapo, coffers.

President Pohamba himself probably combined his recent trip to Otjiwarongo to address the Swapo leadership there with a general tour of the region on official business; but the Ministry of Local Government is also sending a team, which comes at its own price.

Likewise, an envisaged trip to the Hardap Region to deal with similar issues will also come at a price.

It is so that the politics of the various situations are somewhat confused.

Generally, it's been a case of unhappy townspeople taking issue with what they perceive to be mismanagement and corruption by leaders at municipal and regional level, so some people may try to justify the costs of the intervention on the grounds that it concerns Government affairs.

But all indications are that this is a problem originating within the ruling party itself, and has to do with the manner in which people are selected for high office - generally a top-down decision which does not enjoy the support of the membership.

So Swapo has to revisit its grassroots organisation, or risk alienating supporters due to high-level interference in the selection of candidates.

I would not be surprised if the Otjiwarongo-Okahandja conflicts don't have to do with this very fact.

On the positive side, it is good that townspeople are at last holding leaders accountable when things go wrong.

Some may dismiss this, particularly those accused of malpractices, and put it down to jealousy, but the fact remains that people are at last making a connection between corruption and lack of development in their towns.

For if leaders are only concerned with their own perks and trying to secure lucrative contracts for themselves or their families, rather than with the primary aim of developing their towns, then eventually the people will make the connection.

This, in turn, will lead to a better calibre of people in public office at whatever level of Government.

It is a matter close to the new President's heart.

He has been outspoken on corruption and the need for officials, no matter how high-ranking, to bear the consequences of their dishonesty.

The sooner we see concrete evidence of his intentions, the better.

To date he has said the right things, and this has resonated with Namibians, but in time we will need to see actions, for they do speak louder than words.

He will need to be fearless in his pursuit of good governance.

To merely put in place institutions to deal with this, is not enough.

Culprits have to be brought to book, account for their actions, and face the consequences, whether they are high-ranking cadres of the Party or not.

In the past Party credentials seemed to protect people who misuse and abuse the resources of this country.

This is not acceptable any longer, and President Pohamba has been quick to realise this.

Perhaps the Office of the Ombudsman can be instrumental, too, in educating elected officials on what precisely good governance entails.

But we should not necessarily excuse people who claim ignorance about kickbacks and graft.

If they don't know, they shouldn't stand for political office; it is as simple as that.

The Government has come down with a vengeance on stock theft culprits, for example, in a highly questionable law.

Absolutely no reason why they can't emulate this with regard to political office-bearers who abuse the trust of the electorate by seeking to enrich themselves rather than exercise the mandates of their people.

Time also, that Swapo got its act together to avert the high costs to the taxpayer of sorting out internal differences and dissension.

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