New political party formed in South

THE Electoral Commission of Namibia has approved the registration of a new political party called Democratic Party of Namibia.

Headed by former exile Salmon David Isaaks from Keetmanshoop, the party was registered recently after the ECN was satisfied that they met all conditions, including submitting over 700 names of members. “The South received very little political attention over the past 18 years.In fact, it is worse off than before Independence and that is why we have decided to register the party,” said interim secretary general Adam Isaaks.He denied that the party was only made up of Nama-speaking people.”We have representation in nine regions.Some of our members are Herero and Oshiwambo-speaking people who grew up in the South and who agree that the South had been neglected,” Isaaks told The Namibian.None of the interm leaders are household names on Namibia political scene.”Yes, we have no elites in the party.The idea came from the grassroots level and the youth.People had enough of just being there.They had enough of the Affirmative Action benefits which only affects people north of Rehoboth,” he said.Isaaks launched a broadside attack against the ruling party and its Government saying they have isolated people from the South with very minimal to no benefits of black economic empowerment or mining for those from the mineral rich regions.”A few old men are taking us (the country) down the drain.When we speak out, we are intimidated,” he said.Isaaks claimed he had already been picked up and interrogated about the new party by members of the intelligence unit based in Mariental.The Democratic Party of Namibia (DPN) was registered by a group of six men from the South and will be officially launched in Keetmanshoop next weekend.”The South received very little political attention over the past 18 years.In fact, it is worse off than before Independence and that is why we have decided to register the party,” said interim secretary general Adam Isaaks.He denied that the party was only made up of Nama-speaking people.”We have representation in nine regions.Some of our members are Herero and Oshiwambo-speaking people who grew up in the South and who agree that the South had been neglected,” Isaaks told The Namibian.None of the interm leaders are household names on Namibia political scene.”Yes, we have no elites in the party.The idea came from the grassroots level and the youth.People had enough of just being there.They had enough of the Affirmative Action benefits which only affects people north of Rehoboth,” he said.Isaaks launched a broadside attack against the ruling party and its Government saying they have isolated people from the South with very minimal to no benefits of black economic empowerment or mining for those from the mineral rich regions.”A few old men are taking us (the country) down the drain.When we speak out, we are intimidated,” he said.Isaaks claimed he had already been picked up and interrogated about the new party by members of the intelligence unit based in Mariental.The Democratic Party of Namibia (DPN) was registered by a group of six men from the South and will be officially launched in Keetmanshoop next weekend.