PM defends Nujoma speech amid authenticity concerns

Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says she has no reason to doubt the authenticity of a speech she delivered on behalf of founding president Sam Nujoma at Swapo’s central committee (CC) meeting on Saturday.

The speech endorsed vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the ruling party’s sole candidate for this year’s elections, slated for 27 November.

Controversy erupted after Kuugongelwa-Amadhila read the speech, with some CC members questioning its authenticity.

Peter Mwatile, a former executive director in former president Hifikepunye Pohamba’s administration, on Monday said the speech bypassed and violated Swapo’s constitution.

He said the speech may not reflect Nujoma’s own views.

“I believe someone drafted that speech and sent it to officials at Nujoma’s office for a stamp of approval,” Mwatile said.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, however, maintains she received the speech through official channels.

“I do not have any basis to doubt its authenticity,” she said on Tuesday.

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