Uerikua’s funeral delays Swapo’s 66th anniversary celebrations

Planned celebrations for Swapo’s 66th anniversary were subdued following the postponement of the inauguration of the party’s new headquarters.

This follows the funeral of central committee member James Uerikua and his son, Venturo, on Sunday.

The new headquarters will now be inaugurated on Sunday, 26 April.

This was confirmed by party president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who noted the party’s decision to honour Uerikua’s legacy.

“He was a dedicated member of our party, a servant of the people, and a committed leader whose contribution to our party and national discourse will always be remembered. To honour him, we had to give way,” she said on Sunday.

Swapo was founded on 19 April 1960 as a liberation movement.

Nandi-Ndaitwah urged members to remain alert and adaptable in a rapidly changing global environment, while staying true to the party’s core principles.

“In this changing world, our party must remain alert, adaptable and forward-looking without compromising our basic principles. We must remain a party of yesterday, today and tomorrow,” she said.

She called on members to position themselves strategically in line with national interests, while remaining grounded in the party’s values.

“The times demand that we act with clarity, confidence and purpose,” she added.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Nandi-Ndaitwah said it comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics, evolving alliances and emerging centres of economic influence.

While acknowledging the party’s history as a source of pride, she stressed that past achievements alone are not enough to meet current expectations.

“Independence brought political freedom, but our people now expect that freedom to translate into opportunities, including jobs, access to land and housing, quality healthcare and education, and a dignified life,” she said.

She underscored the importance of developing clear, implementable policies and ensuring effective execution to address the needs of the people.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.