SWAPO has appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female leader during an extraordinary congress, following the passing of former President Hage Geingob. The congress revealed potential divisions, especially with the vice president position left vacant. Future decisions on leadership roles are pending, with the next ordinary congress planned for 2027, where all positions will be contested.
Namibia’s ruling party, SWAPO, has appointed Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its leader, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this position in the party’s 65-year history. Nandi-Ndaitwah was confirmed as SWAPO President at the party’s sixth extraordinary congress, conducted at the Windhoek Country Club Resort recently, following months of speculation after the death of former President Hage Geingob.
The timing of the extraordinary congress was questioned, as it occurred months after national elections. Political analyst Rui Tyitende explained this was essential due to Geingob’s passing in February of last year. The party’s constitution mandates an extraordinary congress be held within three months of a leader’s death; however, Tyitende noted this guideline was not strictly followed.
While Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to appoint her cabinet soon, the congress left the vice president position unfilled, reflecting possible internal fractures within the party. “As we speak, there is no vice president of the party, just the president, Secretary General, and deputy Secretary General,” Tyitende stated, indicating ongoing uncertainty regarding the party’s leadership dynamics.
Tyitende outlined that challenging Nandi-Ndaitwah for the presidency was politically unwise, as it could lead to exclusion from key appointments. He emphasized that this congress served only to endorse her instead of making additional leadership changes. The Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General positions remain unchanged, while the vice president position remains vacant.
Future clarity regarding the vice president role is pending, with the Central Committee scheduled to meet shortly to deliberate this matter. If they choose to appoint someone before 2027, another extraordinary congress would be necessary. Tyitende suggested the decision to leave the vice presidency unchallenged might be aimed at preventing splits within the party as it gears up for forthcoming elections.
In 2027, SWAPO will conduct its ordinary congress, where all party positions, including the presidency, will be contested, as Nandi-Ndaitwah serves only the unexpired term of Geingob.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment as SWAPO president is a significant historic event, being the first woman elected to this role in the party’s history. With internal disputes evident, particularly regarding the vacant vice president position, the leadership dynamics are complex. The upcoming ordinary congress in 2027 will provide a crucial opportunity for reevaluating all leadership positions within SWAPO.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
