Call For Inter-Party Tolerance

WHO advises our President? Please presidential advisors, the world is watching and to be honest I want a clean reputation for our President and Namibia itself.

President Pohamba is internationally respected in all corners of the democratic community. However I find the recent remarks at Omuthiya rally ruining this recognition.President Pohamba should draw a fine line between being the country’s President and the Swapo President.As the country’s President you should love and lead all people including your perceived and real enemies, whether now personal or in terms of political affiliation, viz RDP members.I know campaigning is just that and you need to stand by your Party.I believe, you as the Swapo President, has the right to express yourself in the form you did.But I suggest that such expression you can do by passing on your words to any Party member.In that way, you will look unbiased towards your Namibian nation and your good international reputation will stand, while your words still heard.I am a Swapo member, and I find nothing wrong with political tolerance.Leaders of political parties should educate their supporters and sympathisers to be tolerant of each other’s political choices.Let’s give real education because that is what we fought for.Political parties should stop trying to gain support by means of persuasive threats, brainwashing and blackmailing, instead of educating to enhance political choices.It is shameful so long after independence, that many elders at the villages still do not understand what the title president means.They still know one president, Dr.Sam Nujoma.If anyone mentions the President, then it is Dr Nujoma they think.People still believe that the Makakunyas (SA colonial soldiers) will come back if Swapo loses the election.Let’s induce political maturity and understanding in our people.Furthermore, I condemn in strongest possible terms, campaign strategies currently by RDP leadership, always criticising developmental projects by the Swapo led-government, terming them a waste of public money.I dismiss such type of campaigns with contempt.Tell the truth.Please let’s by any means possible try to educate each other and learn to be tolerant.The war of brother against brother is a very shameful thing, like we see in Kenya and some other African countries.How will it feel for any person that your parents’ house has been burnt down by their friends because of intolerance of political affiliation? When the white South Africans fought us, it was because of political intolerance, we called it colonialism because it is our country.Now black Namibians versus black Namibians – what do we call this? All political leaders should interfere now to stop this nonsense of some people turning against each other.These people would not know if it is wrong unless well informed about democracy.After all, in whose interest is this fighting happening? Which political party has ever promised that if voted to power, it will destroy the nation? None.So? Penda Shilongo Via e-mailHowever I find the recent remarks at Omuthiya rally ruining this recognition.President Pohamba should draw a fine line between being the country’s President and the Swapo President.As the country’s President you should love and lead all people including your perceived and real enemies, whether now personal or in terms of political affiliation, viz RDP members.I know campaigning is just that and you need to stand by your Party.I believe, you as the Swapo President, has the right to express yourself in the form you did.But I suggest that such expression you can do by passing on your words to any Party member.In that way, you will look unbiased towards your Namibian nation and your good international reputation will stand, while your words still heard.I am a Swapo member, and I find nothing wrong with political tolerance.Leaders of political parties should educate their supporters and sympathisers to be tolerant of each other’s political choices.Let’s give real education because that is what we fought for.Political parties should stop trying to gain support by means of persuasive threats, brainwashing and blackmailing, instead of educating to enhance political choices.It is shameful so long after independence, that many elders at the villages still do not understand what the title president means.They still know one president, Dr.Sam Nujoma.If anyone mentions the President, then it is Dr Nujoma they think.People still believe that the Makakunyas (SA colonial soldiers) will come back if Swapo loses the election.Let’s induce political maturity and understanding in our people.Furthermore, I condemn in strongest possible terms, campaign strategies currently by RDP leadership, always criticising developmental projects by the Swapo led-government, terming them a waste of public money.I dismiss such type of campaigns with contempt.Tell the truth.Please let’s by any means possible try to educate each other and learn to be tolerant.The war of brother against brother is a very shameful thing, like we see in Kenya and some other African countries.How will it feel for any person that your parents’ house has been burnt down by their friends because of intolerance of political affiliation? When the white South Africans fought us, it was because of political intolerance, we called it colonialism because it is our country.Now black Namibians versus black Namibians – what do we call this? All political leaders should interfere now to stop this nonsense of some people turning against each other.These people would not know if it is wrong unless well informed about democracy.After all, in whose interest is this fighting happening? Which political party has ever promised that if voted to power, it will destroy the nation? None.So? Penda Shilongo Via e-mail