Patience Makwele
SWAPO is moving to strengthen its structures in the Zambezi region following the return of former party members who challenged the organisation in last year’s regional council elections.
Among those who have rejoined the ruling party are former Judea Lyaboloma councillor Humphrey Divai and former Swapo Zambezi regional treasurer Morven Mukwata.
Their return was announced during a party gathering at Sachona in the Judea Lyaboloma Constituency, where about 150 former members reportedly returned to Swapo.
The development comes less than a year after Divai and Mukwata contested the 2025 regional council elections as independent candidates.
Divai secured 714 votes in Judea Lyaboloma, while Mukwata received 406. Swapo’s Vincent Sinalumbu won the constituency with 1 089 votes.
The return of the two former party members could strengthen Swapo’s presence in a constituency where internal divisions have previously played out publicly.
Divai had won Judea Lyaboloma as an independent in the 2020 regional elections, taking the constituency from Swapo. The party regained the seat in the 2025 election.
Mukwata’s departure from the party also followed political tensions surrounding the election. He was removed as Swapo’s Zambezi regional treasurer after registering as an independent candidate.
Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, who is in the region for party activities, welcomed the former members back and called for differences within the organisation to be resolved through engagement.
She told returning members that political disagreements should not permanently sever their relationship with the party.
“I would like to appreciate and thank you very much, my two sons, for your commitment and dedication to the party,” Shaningwa said.
She also linked political unity to development, calling for peace and stability in the region.
“It is only through peace and stability that the development of our country, our region, our constituencies and all fourteen regions will happen,” she said.
The party says its membership in Judea Lyaboloma has continued to grow, with its local structure reporting an increase from about 1 800 members in 2003 to approximately 2 600.
The growth is expected to require the expansion of party structures in the constituency, including additional sections and branches.
Swapo currently controls seven of the Zambezi Region’s eight constituencies, with Kongola remaining outside the party’s control.
Shaningwa’s visit to the region coincides with leadership training scheduled for 5 and 6 September, as the party works to strengthen its structures following the 2025 elections.
