Supporters threaten Lukato’s NDP over recalled councillor

National Democratic Party (NDP) members at Katima Mulilo are demanding the immediate reinstatement of Watson Kalaluka, who was recently recalled, or else they will not vote for the party in the 2024 elections.

Kalaluka has been representing NDP in the Katima Mulilo Town Council since 2020, until the party leaders recalled him from his position two weeks ago on multiple charges of misconduct.

NDP secretary general Alex Linyando recently told The Namibian that Kalaluka was found guilty of failing to pay his 30% monthly contribution to the party and for allegedly falsely accusing party president Martin Lukato of demanding that the contribution be paid to him directly.

Kalaluka has also been accused of failing to submit monthly reports, implement party programmes as per the NDP manifesto and provide feedback on matters discussed or resolutions taken in council meetings.

Linyando added that Kalaluka failed to grow the party, because during his tenure the party has lost massive support and trust among its supporters and he continues to fail to show respect for the party’s leadership.

Hence, the disciplinary committee found him guilty and recommended his removable, said Linyando.

Kalaluka said he is in the dark as he has still not been served any letter informing him that he is being recalled on the alleged misconduct charges.

He added that the party leadership told him that they will talk to him after their meeting on Friday, and that’s all he can say on the matter for now.

However, Michael Masiye, who spoke to The Namibian on behalf of the disgruntled supporters, said they are deeply disappointed by the party’s decision to recall Kalaluka and they deem it unfair.

“If they do not reinstate him, we are going to de-campaign NDP and make sure that you lose votes because the councillor they are removing is a people’s person and is working to bring about the much-needed development for us. As party members who voted, we demand to see written warning letters which they gave to Kalaluka that led to his recall. We demand that the party share the document in which the councillor failed to honour the 30% stoporder agreement. If they do not reinstate Kalaluka, they will be disappointed, as we will not work with their replacement, Simasiku Mukendwa, in all the committees and community at large,” he said.

He added that they deem the appointment of Mukendwa non-procedural, saying they cannot allow themselves to be led by a man without direction.

“We have handed our petition to the leaders of the party and we are waiting for their response,” he said.

Regarding the demands of the supporters, Linyando confirmed receiving the petition, saying they are still discussing it as leaders.

“For now, we are not sure if they do any serious impact on the party or they genuinely come from our supporters or just an individual. We are also trying to establish if they are real demands or threats,” he said.

Also commenting on the petition, Lukato said they will convene a meeting tomorrow to discuss the supporters’ petition and give a response afterwards.

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