‘Swapo’s vacant VP post could spark divisions’

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah has warned that Swapo’s decision to leave the vice president (VP) position vacant following its recent congress may lead to divisions in the ruling party.

In recent years, the VP has played a crucial role in shaping the ruling party’s succession plan, with both Hifikepunye Pohamba and Hage Geingob having risen to the presidency from this position.

However, Swapo has opted to freeze the position until 2027 – a move which can potentially fuel backdoor succession lobbying over the next two years.

Kamwanyah says this is a violation of Swapo’s constitution which asserts that vacant posts should be filled.

“It is so ironic that at such a congress they endorse a person without an election taking place.

This term, ‘acclamation’ they are using is no different to endorsement,” he asserts.

He says those eyeing the VP post may feel undone by the freeze, which leaves room for divisions, particularly for those not in favour of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment.

“I acknowledge that history has been made, as she is the first woman president for the party. But her speech on Saturday, wanting the Swapo manifesto to be tailored to government policies, is rather a complex ambitious move.

There is legislature [in place] so this remains to be seen,” he notes.

Veteran politician Jerry Ekandjo has also asserted that the decision to endorse Nandi-Ndaitwah is unconstitutional.

During an interview with One Africa Television last week, Ekandjo said the central committee’s decision to freeze Swapo’s VP position until 2027 is unconstitutional and a violation of the party’s constitution.

He said elections must be held, and highlighted rule 12 of Swapo’s rule and procedures, which states that no position should be filled by automatic promotion, acclamation or confirmation, unless only one candidate is nominated for the post.

He said in the case of a nomination, a counter nomination should be made, which was not done.

Swapo member Reinhold Shipwikineni agrees that the decision to leave the VP position vacant after the endorsement of president-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah to the Presidency is a violation of the party’s constitution.

“Nandi-Ndaitwah was already elected as VP at the congress and was supposed to serve for five years. But leaving this position unoccupied is a clear violation of the party constitution because we never had a vacant VP post before,” Shipwikineni told The Namibian yesterday.

He asserted that Swapo’s top leadership has been damaging the party’s reputation for far too long by failing to follow its constitution.

“The damage is huge and the implications will mean that Swapo will lose votes again in the Regional and Local Authority elections because party members like me no longer have trust in the leadership.

“A leadership that violates the democracy of its party constitution.

Do you think it will not do the same as the incumbent government? So, as for me, this leadership is incompetent and will continue disrespecting its members rights,” he said.

Swapo party spokesperson Hilma Nicanor did not respond to text messages or calls.

However, Swapo //Kharas regional district coordinator Mathew Mumbala, who is a central committee member, says there is no rush to fill the position which can stay open until the next congress.

“It is not a constitutional obligation to fill the position of the VP. It is a decision carefully taken considering the upcoming Regional and Local Authority elections, to avoid division in the party,” he says.

The Swapo president position has been vacant since the death of late president Hage Geingob on 4 February 2024, which led to the central committee endorsing Nandi-Ndaitwah for the position unopposed, following recommendations from the politburo.

Political commentator Erika Thomas has slammed those judging Nandi-Ndaitwah without an understanding of her position, citing the challenges women face in terms of leadership.

“Let us not judge the book by its cover. Give her a fair chance to prove herself. I know there are some men who do not want to be led by women but this is gender equality, and we must be proud of it.”

She says Nandi-Ndaitwah’s track record speaks for itself.

“One cannot strive in a negative environment. So they must first do positive things, stay united and then revisit the VP [position] later. People must stop this negativity and allow her to lead,” she says.

Meanwhile, Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed gratitude to the congress.

She says the congress has pronounced itself, guided by the party constitution, which declared her as the duly elected president of the party.

Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo has welcomed the move, saying it is a collective decision of all party members.

“As young as I am, I am very happy to trust in the diligence of the party and to the mother who cares. Therefore, Namibians must relax because we are in safe hands,” he says.

Former Ohangwena region governor Usko Nghaamwa on Saturday said those who believed there were issues in the party were wrong, as the congress went well and elected Nandi-Ndaitwah.

“The extraordinary congress went well and those misleading must now be quiet because the truth is now out for everybody that Nandi-Ndaitwah is the duly elected president of Swapo,” he said.

Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa says Nandi-Ndaitwah’s achievement demonstrates the heights to which women can rise in terms of leadership in their respective fields, both in Namibia and in Africa.

“She is the first Swapo party female president, she is standing in for all of us as women. It doesn’t mean we will all one day be there [but] she as a woman represents us,” she adds.

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