Swapo meetings not exclusive, says PM

WALVIS BAY – Prime Minister Theo Ben Gurirab has expressed disappointment over the “zero turnout” of “non-black Namibians” at Swapo meeting held here over the weekend.

Addressing the gathering, Gurirab said Walvis Bay belonged to all its residents, regardless of colour, race or gender. “I hope next time I come to address Walvis Bay residents I will see the rainbow of Walvis Bay, [that] I will be addressing blacks, whites, and coloureds.”He said it did not matter whether a person belonged to Swapo or any other political party, as long as they attended meetings on the basis of being a Walvis Bay resident.The Prime Minister said such meetings were meant to appraise residents of developments taking place at their town and of Government policies on a number of issues, including poverty alleviation.Gurirab encouraged residents to take cognisance of their history so that they could appreciate the future.He also urged residents to participate in the upcoming elections, adding that elections and people’s maximum participation were two major factors that would give meaning to democracy.”Elections are the salt and pepper of democracy.Whenever elections are called, you must, as a citizen, go out and cast your vote and encourage others to go along”.Residents were also reminded to check if they had the right papers to allow them to vote.- Nampa”I hope next time I come to address Walvis Bay residents I will see the rainbow of Walvis Bay, [that] I will be addressing blacks, whites, and coloureds.”He said it did not matter whether a person belonged to Swapo or any other political party, as long as they attended meetings on the basis of being a Walvis Bay resident.The Prime Minister said such meetings were meant to appraise residents of developments taking place at their town and of Government policies on a number of issues, including poverty alleviation.Gurirab encouraged residents to take cognisance of their history so that they could appreciate the future.He also urged residents to participate in the upcoming elections, adding that elections and people’s maximum participation were two major factors that would give meaning to democracy.”Elections are the salt and pepper of democracy.Whenever elections are called, you must, as a citizen, go out and cast your vote and encourage others to go along”.Residents were also reminded to check if they had the right papers to allow them to vote.- Nampa