Stefanus Nashama
Musician Lazarus ‘Gazza’ Shiimi has come under fire after criticising opposition parties for not giving drought relief food to the people and developing the country.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) spokesperson, Hidipo Hamata says Gazza is making the mistake of scratching where it doesn’t itch.
“As a movement, we are not concerned about Gazza. We see him as a musician trying his best to survive. If he wants another N$2.5 million, he should ask his party directly, without dragging other political parties into it as collateral, because there was no collateral when he received that money initially,” Hamata said.
He said Gazza must also be prepared to answer questions about Fishrot.
“Did he ever think, Oh God, what if this money is fishrot money? Should I return it to Swapo until the case is resolved?’ Why is the musician making the mistake of scratching where it doesn’t itch?” he asked.
Hamata reacted to Gazza’s remarks during a Swapo mobilisation meeting in Okahandja against the opposition parties last weekend.
He said the PDM has been involved in various community and developmental projects throughout the year, not just during election periods.
“PDM has donated water tanks and opened water taps in the Kavango region, addressing critical water shortages and improving access to clean water for local communities. The party has also contributed to healthcare by donating a clinic, demonstrating a consistent commitment to public service. These activities reflect our ongoing efforts to support and uplift communities beyond election cycles,” he mentioned.
Hamata reiterated that PDM has been engaging in parliamentary debates, holding the government accountable, and initiating community development projects.
According to him, efforts in infrastructure, social services, and political transparency showcase the opposition’s dedication to the nation’s progress and well-being.
“We appreciate his influence and urge him to focus on positive contributions, such as educating the youth on the importance of voting and understanding the value of having multiple political parties in a democracy,” he said.
Hamata encouraged Gazza to use a diverse political landscape that strengthens democracy and ensures that various voices and perspectives are heard.
Social activist Michael Amushelelo said Gazza should ‘shut up’ since the drought relief money is not from Swapo but from taxpayers.
“This fishrot beneficiary of N$2.5 million must shut up. Clearly, his music career is not doing well, now he perhaps wants a government job. He is saying things that do not even make sense. When your stomach is empty, it gives a signal, but an empty mind does not give any signal,” Amushelelo said.
Panduleni Itula, the leader of Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), asserted that Article 95 of the Namibian Constitution clearly outlines the social needs of the Namibian people, negating the need to place blame on opposition parties.
“These needs are met financially through the government revenue to which all citizens contribute. Those who stole taxpayers’ money and profited from the looting of our natural resources have the standing to be angels with devil’s claws,” he stated.
Itula emphasised that a government is different from a political party.
“There are no obligations placed by the Namibian Constitution on political parties to provide social remedies in cases of disaster. That is squarely placed upon the government of the day,” he added.
According to Itula, those ignorant of laws will unfortunately defy their own leaders’ call not to politicise the sufferings of the people.
“It is shocking that a once formidable liberation movement has been reduced to a drum of lies, ridicule and deceitful comments and fabrications.,” said Itula.
He emphasised that the Swapo lacks direction and moral integrity, spiralling into dangerous self-destruction without a clear political path or a leader to guide it.
Itula mandated that those who have benefited, whether directly or indirectly, from the looting of the country’s resources must report to the people on accounting day.
Gazza blamed opposition parties for not providing people with drought relief food, not building infrastructure, and imposing empty promises.
He claimed that the opposition was unprepared and incapable of leading the country.
“If they claim they are ready and capable to rule this country better than Swapo, where were they these past four years when Swapo was giving out drought relief food, building roads, and drilling boreholes,” he questioned.
Gazza, who in 2014 received N$2.5 million for Swapo, further criticised the opposition for only appearing during the election campaign.
“Opposition parties are now here, travelling from one corner to another non-stop hosting campaigns. Where did this money that was used to buy cars and conduct campaigns come from when they could not join Swapo to help the communities,” he said.
