Staff Reporter
DEFENCE and Veteran Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi, who was one of the directors of proceedings during this year’s Heroes’ Day commemorations at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region, appeared to clear up any lingering doubts about the status of the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also the ruling party’s vice president and presidential candidate for the upcoming November elections.
When he called her to the podium to introduce the keynote speaker of the day, President Nangolo Mbumba, Kapofi identified her as “the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia” and “the Vice President of the Swapo Party.” He repeated the latter part three times before asking the audience to confirm whether they understood what he meant, which was met with a round of applause.
In recent times, Nandi-Ndaitwah has increased her visibility, as the party’s decision to field her as its presidential candidate is being challenged in the High Court by a few disgruntled members of the ruling party, who demand that an extraordinary congress be held to choose a presidential candidate.
The commemorative event was attended by cabinet ministers, members of parliament, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and church leaders, and a sizeable number of members of the public.
The Namibian Defence Force displayed their manpower and firepower, including their air assets and an impressive array of land-based systems. Veteran politicians who served the nation with dedication but have now retired from active politics also attended the event. Among them were Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana, Charles Namoloh, Helmut Angula, Erkki Nghimtina, and Nahas Angula.
