Martin Endjala
The interim committee of the National United Democratic Organisation (NUDO) has denied forcefully taking over the party’s head office and party affairs.
Reports surfaced on Friday that Benestus Tjizapouzeu’s interim leadership committee had taken control of the party’s head office after changing the building’s locks on 29 August.
“We did not take the office by force. We found the office open and abandoned. Luckily nothing was broken, and we informed them that we changed the padlocks,” said Tjizapouzeu.
The events are unfolding as the party battles with leadership challenges, which also led to the election of its elective congress in July.
The committee was appointed to prepare the party for the November elections.
Tjizapouzeu confirmed the drastic developments within the party’s structure on Saturday in an interview with the Windhoek Observer.
He said the interim committee is responsible for running the party’s administration, while its main task is to present the national congress on 6 September.
NUDO leadership expired on 3 March, and then their mandate was extended to 13 July for a national party congress.
Tjizapouzeu said the leadership has the power to make decisions on behalf of the party.
“They become delinquent. The delinquent leaders could not take decisions on behalf of the party because they do not have any powers nor the mandate to continue the affairs of these parties,” he argued.
According to him, the leadership’s mandate lapsed 14 days after they failed to convene another congress.
“This leadership failed to that extent as they could not put a leadership in place,” he explained.
Tjizapouzeu explained that the traditional chiefs, who are also members of NUDO with voting powers, and elective leaders of the branches came together to form an interim committee.
He argued that this was necessary because they couldn’t afford to have a party vacuum for too long.
“The current committee was given three things. Three weeks to run the affairs of the party, to ensure that the congress that did not take place eventually takes place. Therefore letters were sent to inform the delinquent leadership to hand over the affairs of the party,” he said.
He could not provide information on when NUDO will start its election campaign, stating that after the congress it will announce the way forward.
In a statement on Sunday, Joseph Kauandenge, the secretary general of NUDO, announced the suspension of several Tjizapouzeu and other party members for violating Article 11(2,1) of the party’s constitution.
“The national council (party) resolved to suspend Chief Rukambe, Benestus Tjizapouzeu Uahupirapi, Goerge Muesee, Samuel Kaijata, Nduno mbaha, Ernie Putuoata, Ngavipangurue Mekari, Lazarus Kaapama, Okeri Uakurama, Mbahimua Kamukuendjandje and Clay Katjihingua,” said Kauandenge.
He accuses them of chasing away the party’s administration and secretary, as well as forcefully replacing access locks.
The party also suspended its regional branch coordinator in the Okakarara constituency, Moses Veziruapi Kangumba, for recording and circulating audio clips, citing threats to the lives of the leadership and sowing division in the party.
Kaundenge said the hate speech audio has been handed over to the relevant authorities for investigation.
“All these members will be charged and called before the disciplinary committee as per the party construction and code of conduct,” said the Kauandenge.
He warned that the party will take legal action against members who are sabotaging and causing division in the party.
“We are taking action to suspend certain members. However, it is important to mention that we are mindful of the current state and challenges faced by the party, and therefore, we are embracing a spirit of peace among all NUDO of Namibia for the sake of our party,’ said Kauandenge.
He said his office has mobilised resources for litigation when necessary.
According to Kauandenge, the party has decided to call for an electoral college on 5 October, with the national council setting its rules and procedures on 4 October.
Kaundenge reiterated that the decision to have a congress in the first week of May next year remains, subject to the availability of funds.
