SWAPO has appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female leader, following the extraordinary congress held due to the death of former President Hage Geingob. The congress did not fill the vice presidency, reflecting internal party divisions. Moving forward, all party positions, including the presidency, will be up for grabs in the 2027 ordinary congress.
Namibia’s ruling party, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), has appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its new leader, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to assume this role in the party’s 65-year history. Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected during SWAPO’s sixth extraordinary congress held at the Windhoek Country Club Resort over the weekend.
The timing of this congress, which followed the national general election, raised questions; however, Namibian Political Analyst Rui Tyitende stated this was necessitated by the death of former President Hage Geingob. Tyitende remarked, “Geingob died last year in February as the head of the party, and as per the party’s constitution, they ought to have held an extraordinary congress within three months after his death. They didn’t do so, in violation of their own constitution, but it’s nothing new.”
The congress did not fill the position of vice president, leaving it vacant amid concerns regarding divisions within the party. Tyitende explained, “As we speak, there is no vice president of the party, just the president, Secretary General, and deputy Secretary General.”
Challenging Nandi-Ndaitwah for leadership is perceived as politically imprudent; Tyitende explained, “It would be political suicide for anyone to challenge her for the position of President. This is someone that will be making key appointments within the next two weeks.”
No new appointments were issued at the congress; hence, the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General remain the same. Nandi-Ndaitwah will complete the unexpired term of the former President Geingob, with no plans communicated for the vice president’s position yet. Tyitende noted, “The Central Committee will convene soon to decide what they are going to do.”
Tyitende opined that the party may intentionally avoid filling the vice presidency to prevent competition among party insiders, as this position often leads to contention for future presidential candidacy. The next ordinary congress in 2027 will allow all positions, including the presidency, to be contested. Tyitende concluded, “It will be back to the drawing board for all of them.”
In summary, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment as the first female leader of SWAPO marks a historic moment. While the party navigates internal tensions with a vacant vice president position, strategic decisions appear aimed at mitigating division. The upcoming ordinary congress in 2027 will present opportunities for candidates as all positions, including the presidency, will be contested once more.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
