THE former secretary general of Swanu of Namibia Tangeni Iijambo was elected party president over the Easter weekend, taking over from Usutuaije Maamberua.
An excited Iijambo confirmed this yesterday, saying it came as a surprise to him.
“The party reached a consensus to have me as president. I really hope to deliver,” he said.
Swanu of Namibia held its elective congress and central committee meeting in Windhoek over the weekend where Iijambo took over from Maamberua, who has been party president for 10 years.
The two were elected at the same congress in 2007, Maamberua becoming president and Iijambo secretary general.
The Namibian understands that four people – Iijambo, Alpha Kangueehi, Benjamin Limbo and Clemens Kaukwetu – contested for the presidency.
However, Kangueehi and Limbo dropped out of the race first and were followed by Kaukwetu, leaving Iijambo as the sole candidate for the position.
Iijambo became president after the party’s congress reached a consensus on the issue on Monday morning.
Kaukwetu takes over as the SG, replacing Iijambo who will be deputised by Muvatere Ndjoze. The party’s new national organiser is Uvatera Kahorere.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Kaukwetu said he was excited about being the new SG and will take up the challenge very seriously.
“Being elected as a youthful SG shows the party’s commitment to empowering the youth. I will take up the challenge and help ensure that the party goes back to its former glory as the oldest party in the country,” he said.
On dropping out of the race for the presidency, Kaukwetu said the party’s traditional way of choosing a leader is by reaching consensus and therefore he cannot be said to have dropped out.
Maamberua, who expressed his intention to step down last year, said he will continue as an active member of the party.
He said he was happy to have left a good legacy behind, such as ensuring the party won a seat in parliament.
“I chose to step down as a democratic thing to do after serving for 10 years. It is for good governance, accountability and something that is needed. I will, however, finish my term as member of parliament,” said Maamberua.
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