MIRROR OF NAMIBIA
Chris Jacobie-FLIPSIDE
The President of Swapo, Dr Hage Geingob, and his CC-delegates crossed the Rubicon.
He could not have received a stronger mandate and motion of confidence. The headwinds are strong and as Geingob famously has said, ‘democracy does not come cheap and without sacrifice.’
His supporters, the majority of Namibians, must have hope and his enemies must despair.
There is enough reason for hope and re-imaging Namibia.
On the international stage, the economy and stability over the next two years will see massive positive change.
Above all, the election of me. Nandi Netumbo-Ndaitwah, as Swapo Vice-president and potentially the country’s next president, has proven that Namibia is more than ready for a women president. It was especially confirmed by the grace of her fellow female-contender and well-qualified, Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, in defeat. Her public support for me. Ndaitwah must serve as an example for all. The behaviour of me. Ndaitwah, Dr Kuungongelwa-Amadhila and Pohamba Shifeta in victory and defeat is Namibian and shows leadership of the highest order.
The self-styled campaign managers and funders should follow the example of the Ndaitwah- and Shifeta election teams. Their continuous onslaught on the elections – admittedly not perfect – raises more suspicion about their motives than genuine support for Dr Kuukongelwa-Amadhila.
There is a fine line between support and embarrassment.
Swapo, with still more than 65% of the Namibian support, has proven, that unlike any former liberation movement on the African continent, they and by far the majority of everyday Namibians, are sovereign, democratic and are not affected and infected by pressures beyond borders.
Slowly but surely it is obvious that voters and not promoters will matter most.
This is but one of the realities that is now cemented as the cornerstone in the foundation of the Namibian House and President Geingob deserves the credit for his resilience in the face of the most cowardly abuse and character assassination ever rained upon any leader in any time of Namibia, its liberation or independence history.
Even the staunchest and bitterest enemy of President Geingob must start thinking that maybe Swapo is more than just a traditional political party. It is a movement or for most people — outside the glare of shiny bright city lights — part of their DNA. Dr Geingob has proved many times that he is moving faster than most people, because he looks further than most. It is not a blessing, but a curse and a burden that he mostly carries alone.
A few persistent political myths of make-belief and mostly by the self-important and keyboard ego-addicts, are busted.
The grip of accountability is strengthening and will strengthen even more with me. Ndaitwah as Vice-president supporting Dr Geingob. His battle will not be lonely as he can rely on me. Ndaitwah, Dr Kuugonglwa and Shifeta who are now freed from the shackles of campaigners and influencers, as the battle is done and the smoke clears.
As sure as night follows day, the ‘regime changers’ and ‘tender protectors’ remain innovative and will find something new and their assaults on the Presidency, Executive, Parliament, Judiciary and Courts will continue.
A lack of common sense however, must not let Namibians swim in the political shark infested pool. It is not a matter of politics anymore. It is now a duty to support and strengthen President Geingob. He represents Namibia and he is therefore the mirror through which the world sees Namibians.
Namibians are not ready to trade in buying or selling democracy.
President Hage Geingob is at the height of his powers. It bodes ill for a viciously divided opposition and an insignificant assembly of populists of every flavour.
Love or hate Swapo, it emerged stronger.
It was proven again that a wounded Geingob and a wounded Swapo, like generations of Namibians, are resilient and go to the trenches when threatened.
In this country, adversity is always answered by duty and unity.
Even for the ‘bitter’ Namibia, this week is better. Not many African leaders will meet with the US-president Joe Biden, as Dr Geingob will do in the next few days, and part of that accomplishment and acknowledgment is because of Namibia’s first diplomat for many years, me. Ndaitwah, who kept the flag of foreign affairs flying.
Also, Dr Geingob and his team can give President Biden, a few lessons in national unity and democracy.
The most important and annoying myth that is now hopefully finally buried is that the Swapo president, Dr Hage Geingob, is weak, and therefore could not endorse a Vice-presidential candidate.
Far from it.
The appointment of retired Lt-general Martin Shali to the CC, corrected a grave injustice, just as when Geingob buried the betrayed leader and founder of the RDP and Swapo-stalwart, Hidipo Hamutenya.
The Swapo CC and Politburo is a result of tolerance and reconciliation that should be celebrated and not brought under suspicion by interests groups.
Shali is of special significance as he in 2009 became a casualty of the Hamutenya purge and in the Vice-presidential campaign, madam me. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, was also unfairly linked to the failed RDP.
Shali, like me. Ndaitwah never wavered, and like Geingob, who too was a victim of internal purges, remained loyal, even to those nearest to him who often betrayed and unfortunately abused his generosity instead of admiring and learning from the Geingob-genesis.
Namibians also now know, thanks to the political courage of the Prime Minister, me. Saara Kuugongelwa Amathila, as well as a co-contender, the minister of Environment, Pohamba Shifeta that they will have choices in future, because the Rubicon was crossed, and the generational arguments were destroyed. There are still others like Tom Alweendo and Kapofi in the wings.
The fixers and organisers of me. Kuugongelwa that landed higher as she on the CC list, have some explaining to do to her. Did they campaign harder for themselves than for her?
Her position on Politburo begs an answer.
Only the paint of the Namibian house was scratched, but the foundation is solid, because every day, Namibians and delegates of Swapo delivered and destroyed myths of tribalism, populism and factionalism.
Now Namibia, like the legions over the legendary Rubicon, must continue the march to change, dignity and values.
That is the only Namibian destiny that matters.
