Swapo youth league wants Kandorozu to apologise to Ballotti

Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary general Ephraim Nekongo has demanded an apology from National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu over remarks he made.

A statement released by SPYL on Thursday follows remarks made by Kandorozu to education deputy minister Dino Ballotti. During the National Assembly on Wednesday, Kandorozu told Ballotti to “go back to Italy,” later saying the comment was a joke and not intended to be personal.

“The SPYL strongly calls upon Kandorozu to withdraw his statement and issue a public apology to Ballotti and the Namibian people as a whole. In doing so, it will restore the trust the people of this country have in our parliament and our leaders,” Nekongo says.

He says members of parliament (MPs) must refrain from personal attacks, adding that while Namibians wait for legislation to be passed, headlines are instead being dominated by the disrespectful conduct of MPs on a daily basis.

He defends Ballotti as a national leader and a servant of the country. He argues that Ballotti deserves to be respected and addressed in the same manner as all other public office bearers.

He urges all political party leaders to see to it that parliament promotes constructive discourse and the advancement of laws that will improve the lives of Namibians.

Nekongo says personal attacks have no room in the country and that such behaviour undermines the Namibian Constitution.

He says MPs are expected to exercise a high standard of discipline in their conduct and the offices they represent require them to lead by example.

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