Acting leader sets tone at RDP convention

ACTING Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president Steve Bezuidenhout urged delegates at the party’s ordinary national convention on Saturday to elect leaders who can propel the organisation to greater heights.

He made the call when he officially opened the party’s elective convention at the Ramatex complex in Windhoek.

The party’s acting president said individuals should not be elected on the basis of their popularity, but because of what they can do for the party. Despite the challenges that the former official opposition has gone through, the RDP is now in a position to rebuild itself, he said.

“We need to do more, not only to bring the party back to its original glory days, but also to make significant inroads that will eventually enable us to snatch power from the ruling party,” Bezuidenhout added.

The success of the RDP lies in the power of unity and common purpose, he said.

“Squabbles and infighting will not benefit us as an organisation, and we must by all means avoid such retrogressive tendencies,” he said.

He went on: “I am sure you will be able to identify the most competent, knowledgeable, willing and able candidates to lead the RDP successfully in the next five years.”

There are three slates contesting for power at the convention.

The camps are headed by former National Council chairperson Kandy Nehova, Miriam Hamutenya and current secretary general Mike Kavekotora as the presidential hopefuls.

Nehova’s group is without a vice president candidate, while Asser Sheuyange and Phyllicia Hercules are its candidates for the secretary general (SG) and deputy SG positions, respectively.

Kavekotora’s running mates are former Kavango region RDP leader Kennedy Shekupakela, for the position of vice president, Brunhilde Cornelius for the position as secretary general of the party, and RDP National Assembly member and serving deputy secretary general Agnes Limbo, for the post as deputy SG.

Hamutenya on the other hand is campaigning alongside former member of parliament Heiko Lucks, in the running for the post of vice president, Eenhana Town Council member Walter Ndakondja, aiming for the SG position, and former RDP youth leader Sibuku Malumbano, who is a candidate for the position as deputy SG.

Since its formation, the RDP has seen two presidents lead it – first the party’s founder, the late Hidipo Hamutenya, who resigned and then rejoined Swapo, followed by Jeremiah Nambinga, who stepped down in December 2018.

More than 500 delegates from the RDP’s 15 political districts are taking part in the intra-electoral process, with results set to be announced during the early hours of Sunday. – Nampa.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.