Ester Mbathera
As the country prepares for elections later this year, the Swapo national leader assigned to the ||Kharas Region, Tom Alweendo, has called for a focus on idea-driven politics rather than personality-driven campaigns.
Alweendo made the statement on his social media platform, urging political parties to prioritise problem-solving, inclusivity, and innovation in their campaigns.
“Problem-solving approach and idea-driven politics prioritise problem-solving over personal agendas. It focuses on addressing the root causes of problems that, when fixed, create lasting change. Inclusive governance, when politics is centred around ideas, it becomes more inclusive. It allows diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, fostering a collaborative environment where the best solutions can emerge,” he said.
Alweendo also stressed that innovation thrives in a political climate that values ideas.
“By encouraging forward-thinking, Namibia can become a hub for new technologies and business models, driving economic diversification and resilience,” he said.
Alweendo also referenced the Harambee Prosperity Plan, noting its focus on addressing poverty and unemployment through targeted, idea-based strategies.
He said these goals are achievable only if Namibia adopts a political culture where ideas lead the way.
On Saturday, Sophia Shaningwa, the Secretary General of Swapo, encouraged party members to maintain their voter cards and prevent their loss. She made these remarks at a party rally in the Ohangwena region.
“Lesson number two: If you have a voter’s card and do not show up to vote on November 27 (Owalima onghudu), you have allowed warfare. The voter card is your weapon to fight a peaceful political war without physically harming anyone, only equipped with a pen and a ballot paper,” she said.
Shaningwa also announced that the party will hold its Swapo electoral college, known as the ‘POT,’ where the list of 96 politicians who will be running for seats in the National Assembly will be finalized.
These politicians come from different wings of the party.
She questioned critics who claim that the party’s presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is old.
“Who said she would lead the country alone?” she asked.
Shaningwa stated that she expects the nation to behave in the same way it did during the reign of male presidents.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. If we select you, you will be expected to lead alongside Netumbo. She will lead this country, and we will support her in doing so. When she sends us, we will all be running around, including myself, to ensure that our nation receives the service it deserves,” she said.
