‘No Hallelujahs For Hibernators’

WITH reference to the article titled ‘Who is fooling who?’ in your April 3 2009 edition of The Namibian newspaper let me raise some issues that have captured my attention in this regard.

Firstly, I recognise the author’s interests in the influential young movement that offers hope for all the Namibian youths and therefore, known for its vocal contribution to the Namibian political landscape. However, I do not know what intentions the article aims to articulate. The following issues have caught my attention:She wrote; ‘I do not know what credentials they (SPYL leaders) have when it comes to the liberation struggle’. This statement is devoid of any credit in an independent Namibia. One does not have to be a war hero nor be part of the struggle for that matter to be a good leader. Leadership is what offers hope, truth, accountability and therefore potentially a contribution to nation building. I am not a liberation hero, but that does not mean that I have no respect and quality of leadership as is the opinion of the author. She continues by saying ‘I tend to believe they are busy chasing their own shadows every minute, thinking it is an RDP supporter’. To my good knowledge, Swapo party as a political organisation is built on principles and therefore the Constitution reflects its aims and objectives. This includes the qualities of being a member and your contribution to the membership of the party. SPYL, on the other hand, it is also governed by its constitution as its highest law in line with the Swapo party constitution. Therefore, the author must be informed that, whatever the SPYL does is not with the intention of chasing individuals nor to discredit the Swapo party programmes, but also to correct what the movement wants to achieve. And therefore, if the so-called RDP sympathisers do not have the courage to stand up and pack and leave the warmth of the Swapo party, we will continue to get them out in the name of justice for all. I do not think it would be principled if I hide under COD today and yet I am Swapo. Leave and see what is next. You got all the freedoms and rights you have in the world to join the movement of your choice. Backstabbers will not be entertained in any political movement and thus if there are some Swapo hibernators in DTA, kick them out and that’s what we call order and principles that build up an organisation. The fact that Namibia belongs to all people does not mean they must hide under carpets and continue to destroy what others are trying to build; they must create their own. But to say Hallelujah to hibernators – I reject that argument with all the contempt it deserves.As to your first question, I do not think SPYL believes at any point that it will ipso facto govern Namibia alone without the existence of other parties contrary to the concept of multi party democracy. What is important in light of political governance is to avoid sabotaging the programme and objectives of the Swapo party in general. I myself do not believe in accommodating what I term saboteurs. To me Namibia is united and will continue to be governed by the Swapo party in the name of democracy and freedom for all at the wishes of the majority through free, fair and democratic elections.I strongly believe that if the author is a peace loving Namibian, it would not be hard to make the difference in whatever way she/he deems fit regardless of the political affiliation.Eliaser NekwayaVia e-mailNote: This letter has been shortened. – Ed