Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes believes the resignation of the National Unity Democratic Organisation’s (NUDO) secretary general, Joseph Kauandenge, is closely tied to the party’s disappointing performance in the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Kauandenge announced his resignation on Wednesday ahead of the party’s national executive committee meeting that will be held on Saturday in Windhoek.
“It has become a norm in Namibian politics now that once individual interests are no longer served, then they jump to something else or to another party. But it is difficult to tell at this point what led to Kauandenge’s resignation until he reveals it himself,’’ said Johannes.
NUDO has struggled to expand its support base in recent years, with limited gains in both regional and local authority seats.
Kauandenge, who served as the party’s youngest secretary general since 2004, hinted at internal misalignment in his resignation letter to the party president, Esther Muinjangu.
“There comes a time when you have to take a bold decision when you realise that your vision and foresight do not align anymore with the movement you have been serving and just allow others to continue with the task of leadership, and that time for me is now,’’ he said.
Kauandenge said he has been with NUDO for 22 years, since the party was detached from the then Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), which was rebranded the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) by late party president Kuaima Riruako in 2003.
He told Muinjangue that he will hand over the office keys on Saturday during the party’s National Executive Committee Meeting in Windhoek.
He committed to remaining an ordinary member of the party and stated that it does not serve any purpose to go into details about why he is resigning or to list all his grievances, because it is not in his personality.
“I don’t believe that once the romance or marriage is over, you must start insulting and castigating the party in the media. I simply believe that shows weak leadership on your part and a lack of character as a leader. I will pursue my professional work, but rest assured that I will still remain vocal and around in the political space, serving your interests from different forums in society. I will not exit the political arena,’’ added Kauandenge.
NUDO president Muinjangue acknowledged receiving Kauandenge’s letter and wished him well in whatever he decides to pursue in life.
