In a political twist that has left many Namibians stunned, Joseph Kauandenge, the long-serving Secretary-General of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), has been confirmed as the president of a newly formed political association, the Association for Localized Interest (ASOLI), despite previously denying any connection to the entity.
CONTRADICTIONS
Speculation around Kauandenge’s involvement with ASOLI began when the association’s official registration address matched his residential address, a curious coincidence that caught the attention of the public. When questioned, Kauandenge was unequivocal in his dismissal of the rumors.
“No comment, thank you. Please revert to those who linked my name with it,” he told Confidente. “I am still the Secretary-General of NUDO, and when I decide to pursue other interests, I will announce it publicly and not hide behind anyone.”
That statement now stands in stark contrast to recent developments. Multiple sources and publications have confirmed that Kauandenge is not only associated with ASOLI but is, in fact, its president.
Kauandenge reflected on his recent actions, offering insight into the reasoning behind his timing and approach.
“It is what politicians do, in the art of politics. When you are busy with something that is not yet done, you cannot reveal it. It’s like cooking food; you are busy preparing it, spicing it, and making sure that it is done. You cannot reveal it before that time. It was not the right time for me to come out.”
He explained that his decision is rooted in personal reflection and the pursuit of a space that aligns with his vision.
“Looking at the vision of where I want to go and where I am right now, perhaps it’s high time for me to look for a different avenue or venue to be able to, perhaps, express myself better, where my vision and mission might be appreciated.”
Kauandenge clarified that he is not severing ties with the party.
“I am not leaving NUDO as a member. I have read the NUDO constitution, and there is no provision within the party constitution that says you cannot form an association while you are a member of NUDO,” he continued, stating that “an association is not a political movement, and that is where people are making a mistake, actually, because we did not launch a political party; we launched an association, and it is confined to the Windhoek area, for that matter.”
He further highlighted the distinction between the new association and NUDO citing that ASOLI differs from the goals of NUDO to a larger extent, as we are attracting a lot of young people from different tribes and nationalities.
“And as you know, we have been struggling transition to transition and reposition as a party for all Namibians. That is where the difference comes in.”
Addressing criticism directed at his political journey, Kauandenge fingered the media for driving the wrong narrative. “The narrative that the media sometimes projects about a person is not what the person is. You cannot tell me that mistakes that I did thirty years ago will define me for the rest of my life.”
NUDO SPEAKS
The acting president of NUDO and Aminius Constituency Councillor, Peter Kazongominja, emphasised that the party’s existence predates recent events, stating, “NUDO is not from today; it has been there since 1960, and it’s not the first time that someone comes into the party and goes.”
Regarding the recent departure of a member, he expressed well wishes, adding, “All we wish him is just good health and wealth in his future endeavours. We will not criticize.”
He highlighted the party’s resilience and continuity, saying, “When you are in the party, you are an asset to the party, and when you are no more, nobody is irreplaceable.”
He also pointed out that the party’s operations remain uninterrupted: “We have our National Executive Committee meeting; soon we will have our press briefing, and we go on. The party is not there because of the executive; the party is there because of its members.”
The NUDO Youth League Secretary General, Veparura Kandirikirira, has urged party members to remain composed and committed to the party’s vision and goals. “Remain calm, remain party members. The party’s ideology is still there; the party’s leadership in Khomas is still there,” he said.
“The members should remain behind the party regardless of who the party fields in the upcoming regional and local authority elections, rather than moving around with ASOLI.”
