Ester Mbathera
The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president, Mike Kavekotora, has dismissed claims that his party is an enemy of Swapo.
Kavekotora was responding to claims made in a controversial letter attributed to Swapo’s secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, which alleges that RDP agents have infiltrated Swapo since 2007 where after some of them have allegedly obtained leadership positions.
“I question the authenticity of this letter. I know Shaningwa very well. She was my employee at NHE and she cannot possibly be so ignorant and out of touch with reality,” he said.
In the event that the letter was penned by Shaningwa, Kavekotora said he has over the years observed that there is an inherent tendency in Swapo to sideline Kwanyamas for mysterious reasons.
He said this tendency is still apparent today, as demonstrated by the absence of Kwanyamas from the Swapo parliament list.
“Their wounds are self-inflicted and they should not blame RDP for anything. If Swapo is of the opinion that we are their enemy, they should think twice and conduct a proper situational assessment to determine the real cause of their downfall. Empty promises, corruption and self-enrichment will definitely rank high in such an assessment,” he said.
He said the RDP is not an enemy to any political organisation.
“RDP is founded on solid grounds and principles to represent the needs and aspirations of Namibians when it became apparent that Swapo deviated from the vision of independence and created a culture of entitlements, nepotism and favouritism,” said Kavekotora.
The letter, dated 16 September and addressed to Swapo’s regional coordinators and party wings, warned of internal and external threats, particularly from those associated with the RDP, who allegedly infiltrated Swapo since 2007.
The latter claims that Shaningwa urged party loyalists to maintain control over its direction, particularly with next year’s extraordinary congress approaching.
Deputy Secretary-General Uahekua Herunga dismisses the memo attributed to Sophia Shaningwa as fake.
“It’s fake. We are currently in a meeting discussing its origin. But what I can say is that it is fake,” said Herunga.
