Swanu elects Maamberua as president

THE oldest political party in Namibia, Swanu, elected former Finance Permanent Secretary Usutuaije Maamberua as its new president over the weekend when it held its 12th national congress since it was founded in September 1959.

Dr Rihupisa Kandando, who held this post for five years, was elected as national chairman. “We believe and trust that the Namibian people will elect Swanu to form a government,” Maamberua said confidently at a press conference held yesterday.”We don’t position Swanu as an opposition party, but as the future government party.”Maamberua, who now lectures at the University of Namibia, said a Swanu government would offer free education to all Namibians up to tertiary level, distribute land “to the needy, displaced and dispossessed”, increase State pensions, reduce the HIV-AIDS prevalence and provide equal job opportunities in the civil service and industries.”A Swanu government will not have discrimination in access to national resources on the basis of party-political affiliation,” promised Maamberua, who sees himself as a presidential candidate for the 2010 elections.He said Swanu would also demand reparations from Germany for those who suffered under German imperial rule a century ago.Other Swanu leaders elected over the weekend are Barend de Klerk as Vice President for political affairs, Dr Tangeni Iiyambo as Secretary General, deputised by a woman, Tjimbongoro Marenga.The new Treasurer is Ms Horombi Kambaekwa with Khamastar Ndukireepo as Deputy Treasurer.Dr Rukee Tjingaete, who has a top post in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, is responsible for national organisation and for elections, deputised by Unaani Kauami.Ratunua Katupose and Tjipoo Mate are responsible for publicity and information.Mati Ndjoze is responsible for external affairs in the Swanu Politburo while Kazandu Kauratjo will handle cultural affairs.A five-member advisory committee of Swanu veterans was also elected.The post of second vice president is still vacant.Swanu has made little inroads in elections since Independence, but won a seat in the Regional Council of the Omaheke Region in 2004.”We believe and trust that the Namibian people will elect Swanu to form a government,” Maamberua said confidently at a press conference held yesterday.”We don’t position Swanu as an opposition party, but as the future government party.”Maamberua, who now lectures at the University of Namibia, said a Swanu government would offer free education to all Namibians up to tertiary level, distribute land “to the needy, displaced and dispossessed”, increase State pensions, reduce the HIV-AIDS prevalence and provide equal job opportunities in the civil service and industries.”A Swanu government will not have discrimination in access to national resources on the basis of party-political affiliation,” promised Maamberua, who sees himself as a presidential candidate for the 2010 elections.He said Swanu would also demand reparations from Germany for those who suffered under German imperial rule a century ago.Other Swanu leaders elected over the weekend are Barend de Klerk as Vice President for political affairs, Dr Tangeni Iiyambo as Secretary General, deputised by a woman, Tjimbongoro Marenga.The new Treasurer is Ms Horombi Kambaekwa with Khamastar Ndukireepo as Deputy Treasurer.Dr Rukee Tjingaete, who has a top post in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, is responsible for national organisation and for elections, deputised by Unaani Kauami.Ratunua Katupose and Tjipoo Mate are responsible for publicity and information.Mati Ndjoze is responsible for external affairs in the Swanu Politburo while Kazandu Kauratjo will handle cultural affairs.A five-member advisory committee of Swanu veterans was also elected.The post of second vice president is still vacant.Swanu has made little inroads in elections since Independence, but won a seat in the Regional Council of the Omaheke Region in 2004.