By: Eba Kandovazu
Marred by division uncertainty, the the 7th Swapo Party Youth League Ordinary Congress, which started on a good note and was officially opened by party president Hage Geingob went on successfully after central committee members were nominated after the congress was temporarily halted on Thursday.
Geingob, at the congress’s opening, called for unity among delegates. However, Central Committee members were not in agreement with the vetting process as well as the pending approval of the nomination of Wellem Amutenya to contend for the Secretary position against incumbent Ephraim Nekongo.
It only resumed at 8 pm on Thursday, after the leaders decided on a way forward, and reportedly convened until 4 am the following day.
One of the “hurdles” was seemingly the nomination of Amutenya by the Oshikoto Regional Conference for Secretary, which was rejected by the Central Committee. Amutenya has been vocal about his intentions to challenge incumbent Secretary Nekongo, who has said that no other nominations for Secretary and deputy secretary be accepted.
In a list shared yesterday, Amutenya also made it to the Central Committee, together with Kunene Governor Marius Sheya, who was last year removed as Secretary for economic affairs. At the time, Sheya said his removal was unprocedural, unconstitutional, and grossly unfair. National Youth Council Executive Chairperson Sharonice Busch also made the list.
In the report the SPYL said was prematurely leaked, Busch and Sheya were seemingly disqualified because they only paid their membership this year for the first time since 2017, even though they are current members of the CC. This was reportedly an indication that they only paid for them to be elected. In that report, Marijam Nghidipo was reportedly also disqualified because of the same.
Willem’s vetting report suggests that he was disqualified because of his personal attitude.
The congress also aims to discuss the adoption of the agenda, roll call, report of the Central Committee to Congress and constitutional amendments.
It is reported that delegates will no longer return to their destinations on Saturday as scheduled because of delays.
Results will possibly be announced later on Saturday night.
