Justicia Shipena
Swapo’s regional coordinator in the Otjozondjupa region, Susan Hikopua, says that the allegations against her regarding illegal activities in the region are not true.
This comes after the Otjozondjupa regional executive committee suspended Hikopua from all Swapo party activities in the region.
“All the allegations against me are not true. There is nothing that I have done wrong,” told The Villager.
Hikopua also learned about her suspension via the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) staff.
She said the members of her party did not approach her in the matter.
“I got the letter from NBC yesterday. This is where I learned about my suspension. NBC called me, and they asked where I was, and I told them I was out of town and I’d return on Wednesday. They then told me they were called to our offices for a conference, and I said I knew nothing about that,” she explained.
Hikopua said the regional executive committee did not inform her about the happenings at the press conference.
“After the press conference, NBC sent me the statement, and that is how I found out.”
Hikopua was elected as the regional coordinator for two terms which is ten years, and her duties include taking charge of Swapo’s activities in seven districts in the region.
Hikopua also told The Villager that she had not received an official suspension letter from the regional office or the head office.
She added that Swapo’s constitution has processes that should be followed for anyone to be suspended; however, she argues, the regional executive committee has not followed that.
“I have to answer through the procedures of the party about my suspension. The constitution is very clear in this matter. I was not given a chance to express myself on the matter,” she said.
According to the regional information and mobilisation officer, Clive Kavendjii, the executive committee in the region has observed illegal activities from Hikopua which go against the Swapo party’s constitution.
“You have abused your power and disregarded Swapo party constitution, rules and procedure,” said Kavendjii.
Kavendjii added that Hipokua also disobeyed the regional executive committee.
He added that Hikopua also abused the party’s finances and properties for her gain.
“You have orchestrated demonstrations against the legitimate leadership of the party in the region.”
Kavendjii said Hikopua also spearheaded and was the mastermind behind the activities that led to the local authority councillors in Grootfontein and Otjiwarongo not being sworn in.
“You have engaged in activities that undermined the interest of the Swapo party and which promoted the interest of other political parties. You have acted in collaboration with counter-revolutionary forces whose main objectives are to destroy the party,” he stressed.
He further said Hikopua continued to sow and foment division among the Swapo party members in Otjozondjupa.
Kavendjii added that Hikopua’s suspension is in line with article 40, 8 of the party’s constitution.
“The article states that he or she shall be suspended by the regional executive committee by resolution, supported by at least two-thirds majority of its members,” he explained.
Moreover, Kavendjii elaborated that Hikopua may not carry out duties and responsibilities as the regional coordinator.
“You may not represent the Swapo party in the Otjozondjupa region, publicly or in any other form,” he said.
The regional executive committee has thus instructed Hikopua to return all Swapo properties in her possession.
Earlier this year, in June, Hikopua denied abusing her position. She said that she followed all procedures and rules of the party during the constructing processes held so far in the region.
At that time, nearly 50 Swapo members claimed she abused her position and conducted illegal constructing exercises in the districts of Okahandja, Tsumkwe, Grootfontein and Omatako.
Swapo members had said they wanted Hikopua to be investigated for corruption and bribery.
In 2019, five Swapo members had threatened to take the party to court if their demand for a re-run of the Otjiwarongo district renewal of mandate processes was not honoured.
The decision by the members was made due to the allegations that were levelled against Hikopua and regional and treasurer Patrick Xoagub whom they accused of inference.
