By: Justicia Shipena
Swapo party regional coordinators say that although people claim the party is divided under the leadership of its President Hage Geingob, their experience tells otherwise.
The group said that peace and unity are by the principle of inclusivity of Geingob, which is the strongest proponent.
“Under comrade Geingob’s leadership, we have become accustomed to a new leadership style which is anchored on consultative decision making and consensus-building,” the group said.
According to them, when it comes to inclusivity, Geingob continues to walk the talk.
“Some, who lack insight into the inner workings of the Swapo Party, have accused the President of being dictatorial or being weak, but this could not be further from the truth.”
They added that they had witnessed Geingob’s open-door policy for senior leaders, youth and party rank and file.
“It is a rare situation where Swapo functionaries have access to a leader’s home or office, so we should all appreciate the fact that in Comrade Geingob, we have a leader who is always available either in person or telephonically.,” they said.
In this vein, the group expressed their appreciation to Geingob for being an exemplar of tolerance.
“This is an important trait of leadership possessed by few.”
The group added that they had approached Geingob asking how he deals with accusations and insults.
Geingob replied saying; “one only gets hurt when a statement is made by someone one respects”.
Geingob also said, “if Comrade Nujoma or Pohamba were to refer to me as Kwankara, I would be hurt and disappointed, but those who intend on aiming such derogatory rhetoric towards me, show a reflection of their lack of character and parental upbringing”.
Thus, the coordinators said they are grateful to Geingob as a leader.
“Maybe it is due to these admirable leadership traits that there have been whispers in some quarters about the possibility for a third term for Comrade Geingob.”
Furthermore, they said that Geingob had nipped these ideas in the bud regarding his running term.
“He stated that he has a fixed contract with the Namibian people which commenced on March 21, 2015 and will end on March 20, 2025.”
Touching on elections, the group says that many in the rank and file are inquisitive about whether Geingob will stand party president.
“Let us cross that bridge when we get there,” they said.
In this vein, they said that they would revisit the past.
“This is not to stir up any negative emotions but as a means to draw lessons which may serve the party well going forward.”
They said they recall a vociferous contingent within the party ranks that tried to humiliate Geingob after former President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s reign.
“Thereby forcing him to stand for elections, which he did and triumphed, even in the face of outside interference from certain international media groups such as Al Jazeera,” the letter reads.
The coordinators said a lesson learned from Geingob is the concept of playing the ball and not the person.
“He has taught us the importance of displaying magnanimity in victory and humility in defeat,” they said.
Additionally, they said Geingob they are motivated by his exemplary leadership.
“We have the utmost confidence in our leaders and believe that no matter which cadres stand for elections at next year’s congress, Swapo will emerge stronger than ever.”
The coordinators also showed gratitude to Geingob, Vice President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah and Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa.
The group also thanked former presidents Sam Nujoma and Pohamba for their work in strengthening the party.
“Under their astute stewardship, SWAPO has ingrained peace and unity amongst the people of Namibia.”
