Swapo leadership transition will be dignified, transparent, says Nahas

POLITICAL transition in Africa is a big problem as very few countries find a workable procedure to bring about change, one of the three Swapo presidential candidates has said.

Nahas Angula, the Minister of Higher Education, Training and Employment Creation, addressed more than 50 business people and Government officials at Swakopmund on Tuesday. He said he was going around the country to share some thoughts about the political transition facing Swapo as well as his own political philosophy.Angula said unlike many African countries where successors were merely appointed or where soldiers took over government, Swapo had created a system and procedures based on democracy and choice to manage political transition.”It is a big risk to take, but worthwhile.”A relaxed Angula, who flavoured his address with jokes and quips, said it was necessary to ensure citizens that the party was aware of how big this responsibility was because “when Swapo sneezes everybody gets a cold”.”I want to ensure citizens that the transition will be managed in a dignified, open and transparent manner and to the satisfaction of party members and citizens.It is very important for our future stability.”Angula said by doing this Namibia would also be making a modest contribution to the growth of democracy in Africa.Turning to his own political philosophy, the Minister said he believed he was the right candidate to pull Namibia into the millennium of globalisation, especially in fighting under-development.”This is the source of all social evils, such as poverty, homelessness and even hopelessness.”The presidential hopeful kept his informal and relaxed composure during question time, with the first question addressing exactly this aspect of his personality.He was asked whether he was seen by some as too soft and informal because he is widely regarded as a people’s person and very friendly.Quoting the political philosopher, Machiavelli, who said a good leader wanted to be feared and not loved, Angula said he did not see leadership as such.He referred to the old European style of imperial presidents who were regarded as small gods, unapproachable, tough and taking no nonsense, he jokingly said: “You don’t know what I will turn out to be as I have never played that role.”Angula said he saw leadership as a service.”I will not be an imperial president, but will expect people to respect the institution of the president.”He said people, the primary resource of the country, would be his first priority as head of state.Secondly he said would tackle health, “as you can only develop healthy people”.In response to what potential he saw for the Erongo Region, Angula said the region was very fortunate to have a wealth of resources.”You have it all, but the question must be asked why it is not shared by all.The potential is there, we just have to work at it and organise ourselves.”Using the example of a bread baking project at Omaruru, Angula said it was not always necessary to start big.”Small things also make a difference.”He said he was going around the country to share some thoughts about the political transition facing Swapo as well as his own political philosophy.Angula said unlike many African countries where successors were merely appointed or where soldiers took over government, Swapo had created a system and procedures based on democracy and choice to manage political transition.”It is a big risk to take, but worthwhile.”A relaxed Angula, who flavoured his address with jokes and quips, said it was necessary to ensure citizens that the party was aware of how big this responsibility was because “when Swapo sneezes everybody gets a cold”.”I want to ensure citizens that the transition will be managed in a dignified, open and transparent manner and to the satisfaction of party members and citizens.It is very important for our future stability.”Angula said by doing this Namibia would also be making a modest contribution to the growth of democracy in Africa.Turning to his own political philosophy, the Minister said he believed he was the right candidate to pull Namibia into the millennium of globalisation, especially in fighting under-development.”This is the source of all social evils, such as poverty, homelessness and even hopelessness.”The presidential hopeful kept his informal and relaxed composure during question time, with the first question addressing exactly this aspect of his personality.He was asked whether he was seen by some as too soft and informal because he is widely regarded as a people’s person and very friendly.Quoting the political philosopher, Machiavelli, who said a good leader wanted to be feared and not loved, Angula said he did not see leadership as such.He referred to the old European style of imperial presidents who were regarded as small gods, unapproachable, tough and taking no nonsense, he jokingly said: “You don’t know what I will turn out to be as I have never played that role.”Angula said he saw leadership as a service.”I will not be an imperial president, but will expect people to respect the institution of the president.”He said people, the primary resource of the country, would be his first priority as head of state.Secondly he said would tackle health, “as you can only develop healthy people”.In response to what potential he saw for the Erongo Region, Angula said the region was very fortunate to have a wealth of resources.”You have it all, but the question must be asked why it is not shared by all.The potential is there, we just have to work at it and organise ourselves.”Using the example of a bread baking project at Omaruru, Angula said it was not always necessary to start big.”Small things also make a difference.”