The comrade Nujoma trusts like a brother

A FOUNDING member of the ruling Swapo Party in 1960 and President Sam Nujoma’s close confidante since the heyday of the liberation struggle, Hifikepunye Pohamba never seemed to nurse presidential ambitions of his own until Nujoma handpicked him to become the partyÂ’s vice president in 2002.

Then, in March this year, Nujoma nominated him as one of the three presidential hopefuls after a futile attempt to have the Swapo leadership endorse him as the sole candidate. With that move, Nujoma bestowed the ‘crown prince’ title on Pohamba as far as he was concerned. Until then Pohamba, who is also Lands Minister, was reported to be eying a more pastoral life as a livestock farmer.He was recently quoted as saying:”If people have trust in me, I accept the challenge,” adding that, after all, he was nominated because his comrades felt he should stand.Nujoma has waged a vigorous and high-profile campaign on behalf of the 70-year-old, who has so far refused to be interviewed, about his vision for the country should he emerge victorious.Analysts say the soon-to-be former President’s decision to support Pohamba is a bid to guarantee his own safety and to maintain indirect control over the Government from behind the scenes.If so, Nujoma may succeed with a Pohamba presidency.The latter is clearly interested in continuity and says he feels better with Nujoma holding the presidency of Swapo until 2007.”I feel safe that Nujoma is not just going away from the scene,” Pohamba was recently quoted as saying in a Government-owned bi-weekly.Hifikepunye Pohamba – Fact FileBorn:August 18, 1935 at Okanghudi, Ohangwena Region.Education:Holy Cross Mission, Onamunama (1947-54). Social and Political Studies courses in USSR (1981-82)Career:Swapo Vice-President (2002-present). Swapo Secretary General (1997-2002). Minister Lands, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (2001-present).Minister without Portfolio (1998-2000). Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (1995-98). Minister of Home Affairs (1990-95). Member of the Constituent Assembly (1989-90). Head of Administration for the Swapo election campaign (1989-90).Swapo Secretary of Finance (1977-89). Represented Swapo in East and North Africa, as well as Zambia between 1964 and 1978.He left for exile in 1961.Pohamba, a member of the Swapo Politburo and Central Committee, is a recipient of the Ongulumbashe Medal for Bravery and Long Service.With that move, Nujoma bestowed the ‘crown prince’ title on Pohamba as far as he was concerned. Until then Pohamba, who is also Lands Minister, was reported to be eying a more pastoral life as a livestock farmer.He was recently quoted as saying:”If people have trust in me, I accept the challenge,” adding that, after all, he was nominated because his comrades felt he should stand.Nujoma has waged a vigorous and high-profile campaign on behalf of the 70-year-old, who has so far refused to be interviewed, about his vision for the country should he emerge victorious.Analysts say the soon-to-be former President’s decision to support Pohamba is a bid to guarantee his own safety and to maintain indirect control over the Government from behind the scenes.If so, Nujoma may succeed with a Pohamba presidency. The latter is clearly interested in continuity and says he feels better with Nujoma holding the presidency of Swapo until 2007.”I feel safe that Nujoma is not just going away from the scene,” Pohamba was recently quoted as saying in a Government-owned bi-weekly.Hifikepunye Pohamba – Fact FileBorn:August 18, 1935 at Okanghudi, Ohangwena Region.Education:Holy Cross Mission, Onamunama (1947-54). Social and Political Studies courses in USSR (1981-82)Career:Swapo Vice-President (2002-present). Swapo Secretary General (1997-2002). Minister Lands, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (2001-present). Minister without Portfolio (1998-2000). Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (1995-98). Minister of Home Affairs (1990-95). Member of the Constituent Assembly (1989-90). Head of Administration for the Swapo election campaign (1989-90). Swapo Secretary of Finance (1977-89). Represented Swapo in East and North Africa, as well as Zambia between 1964 and 1978. He left for exile in 1961.Pohamba, a member of the Swapo Politburo and Central Committee, is a recipient of the Ongulumbashe Medal for Bravery and Long Service.