Statement by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at Swapo Central Committee Meeting Opening

Windhoek Saturday, 13 December 2025

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Good morning.

As we near the end of 2025, we must reflect on a year that brought both deep emotions and progress for our nation.

At the beginning of the year, while we were preparing to mark the first anniversary of the passing of our third president, Hage Geingob, who left us on 4 February 2024, we were struck by another painful loss when our founding president, father of the Namibian nation and leader of the Namibian revolution, Sam Nujoma, passed on 8 February 2025. These were heavy moments for the country and for the Swapo Party family.

Even in grief, Namibians stood together and honoured our two leaders. Their unity, dignity and deep love for their leaders reminded us of who we are as a people and of the responsibility we have to carry on.

The legacies of our two leaders must continue to guide and remind us of our duty to serve the party and our country with humility, courage and commitment.

Meanwhile, this year has brought significant progress and achievements for our party and our nation.

On 8 March, we held an extraordinary congress of the Swapo Party, where I was elected as the fourth president of the Swapo Party. Later that month, the eighth administration was inaugurated on 21 March 2025.

We launched the Sixth National Development Plan on 21 July this year, focusing on improving the lives of our people, restoring trust in public institutions and delivering tangible results. This plan guides the government’s work as we strengthen service delivery, grow the economy and create opportunities for all Namibians.

With regard to agriculture, which is the top priority sector, I visited the green schemes in the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West and Omusati regions. I observed steady progress in food production. These green schemes hold significant potential for food self-sufficiency and job creation. The Swapo Party government will continue to focus closely on the agriculture sector in line with the 2024 Swapo Party election manifesto.

The government has also launched the National Youth Development Fund, from which our young people are now benefiting. I am informed that, so far, the fund has approved and granted support to 108 youth enterprises and is estimated to create about 719 jobs. More will follow, and the application process was re-opened this month.

Another economic milestone is the reduction of external debt through the repayment of the US$750 million Eurobond.

In the same vein, the Namibia Public-Private Forum opened a new chapter of cooperation between the government and the private sector. This work continues through three national task forces focusing on economic recovery, health, and land and housing.

On the political front, on 26 November 2025, Namibians went to the polls to elect their regional and local authority councillors. The Swapo Party was well prepared for the elections. Through discipline, unity and hard work, the Swapo Party is now in full control of 13 out of 14 regions, including regained control of regions lost in the previous election, such as Erongo, Hardap, Kharas and, to a certain extent, Zambezi. We have also reclaimed the majority in our capital city, Windhoek.

These electoral victories demonstrate the trust and confidence that the Namibian people continue to place in the Swapo Party and its leadership.

I sincerely thank the people of Namibia for overwhelmingly voting for our party. I assure our citizens that the leadership of the Swapo Party does not take this trust for granted. The message from voters is clear: deliver, improve and work harder. This is not business as usual.

As leaders of the Swapo Party, we must remain fully aware of the expectations of the Namibian people and stay committed to improving the standard of living and livelihoods of our citizens, whether in rural areas or urban centres.

I express my deep appreciation to all party members across all levels, from the political bureau and central committee to national leaders assigned to regions, wings, regional leaderships, districts, branches and sections. I also thank the National Union of Namibian Workers, the former People’s Liberation Army of Namibia Combatant Association, the veterans of the liberation struggle, the National Youth Council of Namibia, and all peace-loving Namibians for their hard work during the campaigns. This victory belongs to all of us.

However, now is not the time to relax. Elections may be over, but the real work begins. Our call for greater effort must be visible and felt through action in every region, district, local council and community.

The people expect improvements in housing, land, jobs, youth empowerment, agriculture, the creative industry, education and health, as well as quality service delivery. The Sixth National Development Plan provides us with clear direction. We must focus and deliver.

To the newly elected councillors, understand that voters and leadership are watching. We are monitoring your efforts to ensure that quality services are delivered promptly to the people of this nation. The Swapo Party will not hesitate to take appropriate action to ensure service delivery. We were elected to serve, not for titles, and we must serve without fail. Our service must be delivered with integrity, humility and teamwork.

Internationally, the Swapo Party continues to reaffirm its solidarity with the people of Western Sahara and Palestine. We also call for the lifting of illegal sanctions on Cuba, Zimbabwe and Venezuela. The Swapo Party and Namibia remain committed to fairness, justice and a strong international system that supports peace and cooperation.

As we approach the festive season, let us care for one another. As a nation, we face social challenges, emotional distress and frustration that must be addressed to find lasting solutions. Many lives are lost every day due to suicide and gender-based violence. Let us talk, listen and support one another, especially those in need. Together, we can overcome this burden.

Let us also stay safe on our roads. I urge all road users to exercise restraint. Do not respond to misbehaviour with further misbehaviour, as the consequences can be serious or fatal. Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, obey traffic rules and regulations, and drive with caution. This will save lives and protect property.

May you travel safely and spend this season in peace with your families. Let us return in 2026 with renewed strength, united and ready to work even harder for our people.

I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year in advance.

I now declare the Swapo Party central committee meeting officially open.

I thank you.

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