Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been appointed as the leader of SWAPO, making history as the first woman in this role. Her election followed the recent death of former President Hage Geingob and was facilitated by an extraordinary congress. Key positions remain vacant, leading to potential internal conflicts as the party prepares for upcoming elections.
The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia has officially appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its leader, marking a significant historical moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this title in the party’s 65-year history. This announcement came during the party’s sixth extraordinary congress, convened at the Windhoek Country Club Resort over the weekend. Nandi-Ndaitwah was declared the duly elected president of SWAPO following her previous role as vice president since 2022.
The decision to convene the extraordinary congress, held months after the national general election, raised some concerns; however, political analyst Rui Tyitende explained that it was necessary following the death of former President Hage Geingob. Tyitende noted, “Geingob died last year in February as the head of the party, and as per the party’s constitution, they ought to have held an extraordinary congress within three months after his death.”
Tyitende also described the timing of the congress as strategic, anticipating that Nandi-Ndaitwah is to appoint her cabinet soon. He remarked, “All of those people that supported Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as a presidential candidate in the 2022 Congress are expecting some sort of reward.” Nevertheless, the congress left the vice president position vacant, which may reflect underlying divisions within the party.
He further explained the implications of challenging Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency, indicating that it would be politically detrimental. “It would be political suicide for anyone to challenge her for the position of President,” he stated, observing that any Central Committee or Politburo member doing so would exclude themselves from potential appointments she might make.
During the congress, no new appointments were made apart from endorsing Nandi-Ndaitwah as the presidential candidate. Tyitende clarified that the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General roles remain unchanged and emphasized that the Central Committee will convene to strategize the future of the vacant vice president position. He pointed out that should they wish to appoint a new vice president before 2027, another extraordinary congress must be held.
Looking to the future, Tyitende remarked that in 2027, SWAPO is scheduled to hold its ordinary congress, where all party positions, including that of the president, will be subject to reevaluation. “It will be the ordinary congress of the party, so all positions will be vacant, including hers, because she is only serving the unexpired portion of President Geingob’s term,” he noted, insinuating a competitive standpoint for the upcoming elections in 2029.
The appointment of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as SWAPO’s leader is a landmark event, as she is the first woman to assume this role. The party faces complexities, including a vacant vice presidential position and upcoming critical elections. Analysts indicate that this decision may help avoid internal divisions ahead of future contests, setting the stage for a competitive political landscape in Namibia. The next ordinary congress in 2027 will be pivotal for determining SWAPO’s future leadership.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
