By Stefanus Nashama
SWAPO secretary general Sophia Shaningwa has opened-up about preparations for the ruling party’s 2027 elective congress, hopefulls for the vice president position, the possibility of camps or slates, the recent chaotic Grootfontein meeting and disciplining party members.
Shaningwa’s remarks come hot on the heels of ongoing conversations that Swapo members have already started mobilising and canvassing loyalty from their comrades, as well as declaring their intention to stand for elections, although the party is yet to announce the official commencement of such activities.
Speaking to Confidente recently, Shaningwa said the congress was still far away and the party was yet to discuss such a programme.
“We are still far from that congress. We did not even start discussions about it. There are so many things to be done before the congress preparations,” Shaningwa said.
She further indicated that she was not aware of any possible camps or slates ahead of the congress.
Sources within the party claim the 2027 congress will be the most challenging, especially as the vice president position has been frozen.
“You know me very well that I do not like confusion, rumours, speculations and issues. I stand categorically clear on what is right for the party. The breaker of such news should be in a better position to tell you what camps or slates they are referring to,” she stressed.
She added that if there are comrades planning to form camps, it is their business and not the party’s responsibility.
Commenting on the vacant position of the vice president, which in most cases is seen as a stepping stone to the presidency of the party and possibly that of the country, Shaningwa maintained that no candidate has, at this stage, indicated an ambition to occupy this office.
On rumours that Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare is said to be flirting with running for the vice president position, Shaningwa further noted that such talks were yet to reach her office.
“I do not know anything about such news. It is new to me.”
Shaningwa also preached compliance with the party’s constitution, indicating that contestation is open to any cadre.
“Comrades in Swapo have the right to run for positions, provided that they meet the requirements,” Shaningwa said.
According to SWAPO’s constitution, a minimum of 10 years of continuous membership members of the party’s central committee, is required for any cadre to be eligible to contest for the top four positions within party.
However, party insider claim that SWAPO might find itself amending its constitution to allow a suitable candidates to fill the top four positions.
Meanwhile, Shaningwa also zoomed in on the recent Grootfontein fracas, where party members clashed over disputed district meetings and quorum requirements ahead of the 2027 congress.
The meeting, aimed at providing clarity on the branch renewal process, failed to agree on the way forward on Monday.
Commenting on the matter, Shaningwa said she was tired of disciplining comrades.
“I have children at home who also need discipline. I am tired of disciplining elders. They must discipline themselves,” she added.
Commenting on teh developments, political analyst Phanuel Kaapama said camps were a normal practice in every democracy, depending on the rules and mechanisms of contestation.
“In politics, you will always have people supporting different candidates, and that is where the challenges come. This is not only happening in Swapo but in every political party and democracy,” Kaapama said.
He however, added that claims of slates and camps might cause instability within each political party.
Similarly, political analyst Sakaria Johannes said the 2027 congress would likely be challenging, citing the party’s history.
“Camps are already there. If there are no camps, why is the party going to congress? Why is the party not just appointing people to positions?” Johannes questioned.
He said the party was going to have a congress to elect its leaders because, in a democracy, everyone may have an agenda to push in terms of who they want to occupy certain positions in the party.
Johannes said whenever there is a new leader or administration, some people will always lose positions, not because they are old but because of camps.
“Trust me, the [late President Hage] Geingob camp will be eliminated at that congress. In democracy and politics, competition is a normal practice and it is healthy to do that. We must be able to understand political concepts,” he stated.
