Stefanus Nashama
Henny Seibeb, Chief Whip of the Landless People’s Movement in the National Assembly, has announced his intention to raise questions with Prime Minister Saara Kuugengelwa-Amadhila next week regarding the recruitment and active involvement of senior civil servants in Swapo Party structures and the Think Tank.
Seibeb expresses concern that the participation of senior civil servants may impede productivity within the public service.
In the National Assembly this week, the opposition Member of Parliament submitted a notice of questions, alleging that he has observed certain senior civil servants, who hold pivotal decision-making roles, engaging in campaigns and serving in Swapo political structures.
He claims they are doing so without the authorization of the Secretary to the Cabinet, George Simataa, who in August 2023 reminded senior government officials not to hold leadership positions in political parties.
Despite this reminder, Seibeb contends that many senior civil servants are actively participating in and being recruited by the ruling party’s structures and Think Tank.
Seibeb specifically mentions Elizabeth Kamutuezu, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, who was elected to serve in Swapo local structures.
He further identifies Martha Mbombo, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare; Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform; Teofilus Nghitila, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism; and Benedict Libanda, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), as individuals serving in the Swapo Think Tank.
Seibeb argues that such appointments go against established procedures and contravene the directive issued by Simataa, which discourages senior government officials from actively participating in political party activities.
He claims, “No wonder landless Namibians are unable to secure resettlement farms, as these farms are allocated based on political affiliation.”
In addition to the senior officials, Seibeb also notes that Albertina Shilongo, the Agriculture Director, and Francois Brand, the Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, are also involved in Swapo structures.
Shilongo ran for re-election as Swapo Secretary of Information for Windhoek West, while Brand sought to be elected as Swapo treasurer for Windhoek West in August of this year.
Seibeb plans to seek answers from Kuugengelwa-Amadhila in Parliament next Thursday.
He intends to inquire whether the Prime Minister is aware of the directive issued by Simataa and, if so, why senior government officials continue to actively participate in Swapo structures and the Think Tank in defiance of the directive.
