Martin Endjala
A group of people has started a fundraising initiative to assist with the relocation of the National Democratic Party’s (NDP) leader, brave Martin Lukato Lukato, to Windhoek.
Lukato participated in the 2024 National Assembly elections, after which he gained a single parliamentary seat.
So far the group has raised N$24 800.
According to the fundraising organiser, Mchangani Chikusi, the money will cover Lukatos’ transport as well as rent of accommodation for the first month or two while the rest of the funds will be given to him to spend as he sees fit.
“We as families and friends felt the need to assist Mr Lukato, seeing that he is an old man who will require help in settling in his new town as he goes to parliament. We just wanted to show how proud and humbled we are for what he has done during the election campaign and emerging victorious,” he explained.
In-kind pledges of three suits and a flight ticket from Katima Mulilo to Windhoek have already been communicated to Lukato, with more pledges expected to keep coming in.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Lukato, upon hearing about the fundraising effort, could not believe what people were doing for him.
“In my political arena, this is the first time a politician receives such help from the public. I appreciate them so much for their social kindness and humbleness. I am happy and excited,” he said.
Lukato said his party’s head office, which is a tree at his homestead in Queensland about 65 kilometres west of Katima Mulilo in the Kongola constituency, will not be relocated to the capital.
“We will have the second headquarters in the capital city and we will also have an office at Katima Mulilo. We will have regional headquarters in all 14 regions of NDP,” he said.
He explained that the decision is based on old practices by political parties that have their headquarters in areas where they were founded.
“It does not mean that if the headquarters of NDP is here in Queensland, we cannot serve the nation,” he said.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanya said the fundraising reflects the spirit of Ubuntu among the citizens and the various cultures by helping each other where one lacks.
“The fundraising effort is indeed commendable. It is beautiful for the citizens to help Lukato because he is new in parliament and has no resources. So this will help him greatly,” he said.
Kamwanyah added that the support reflects Lukato’s determination, which has inspired many people who felt proud of his achievements despite the several failed attempts.
“People are now realising how determined Lukato was to go to parliament and he has demonstrated to both young and old to never give up no matter how many times you fail and also never to be afraid to fail,” he stated.
