‘Politics of the belly’ infiltrating Swapo

OHANGWENA – Swapo Party Secretary General, Dr Ngarikutuke Tjiriange has condemned infighting and jockeying for positions in ruling party ranks.

Addressing a Swapo rally in the Ohangwena constituency of the Ohangwena region on Saturday, Tjiriange charged that some members of the party are involved in dirty tricks. This, he said, tarnishes the image of their comrades and makes it appear they are just out for positions and a fat cheque.He described it as “the politics of the stomach”.Tjiriange said apart from fighting for positions, some members of the party have put aside the interests of the nation, opting for personal interests.”Nobody is a party member for personal interest because the Swapo Party is the servant of the Namibian people,” he said.”You don’t fight for personal interest, because it is not yours.It is the interest of the people.People are complaining that their comrades have been in office for too long a time, even those who are unable to run an office.”Tjiriange described “the politics of the stomach” as a new phenomenon.In the past, he added, members were united in fighting for the liberation of the country.But today Swapo Party members were fighting to become party co-ordinators, or town and regional councillors.”[We] were united fighters for this country’s Independence.We never knew of tribalism or personal interests,” he said.Tjiriange alleged that some party members were spending sleepless nights conspiring behind the scenes to plot the downfall of fellow members.”After you succeed, you do not know what to do! Either we have lost the direction, the purpose or have been confused by the enemy,” Tjiriange said.- NampaThis, he said, tarnishes the image of their comrades and makes it appear they are just out for positions and a fat cheque.He described it as “the politics of the stomach”.Tjiriange said apart from fighting for positions, some members of the party have put aside the interests of the nation, opting for personal interests.”Nobody is a party member for personal interest because the Swapo Party is the servant of the Namibian people,” he said.”You don’t fight for personal interest, because it is not yours.It is the interest of the people.People are complaining that their comrades have been in office for too long a time, even those who are unable to run an office.”Tjiriange described “the politics of the stomach” as a new phenomenon.In the past, he added, members were united in fighting for the liberation of the country.But today Swapo Party members were fighting to become party co-ordinators, or town and regional councillors.”[We] were united fighters for this country’s Independence.We never knew of tribalism or personal interests,” he said.Tjiriange alleged that some party members were spending sleepless nights conspiring behind the scenes to plot the downfall of fellow members.”After you succeed, you do not know what to do! Either we have lost the direction, the purpose or have been confused by the enemy,” Tjiriange said.- Nampa