Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba was not surprised by the size of, and the excitement generated by, the crowd at a Swapo Party rally in Swakopmund on Sunday. That is because, according to him, Swapo has been and will always be the people’s party.
“It is the party of the grassroots, and today, the masses have arrived here in large numbers at the DRC Soccer Stadium,” he said.
President Mbumba said he is aware that the people turned up in large numbers because they want to hear from the Swapo Party leadership about the plans and policies in place to secure another five-year term of governance. “You have come here in large numbers because SWAPO is the party you trust. It is a party with a sound track record in governance and the capability to steer Namibia toward a more prosperous future. You have come here to demonstrate to the nation that come November 27, 2024, you are ready to vote for Swapo and its Presidential Candidate,” he said, before reminding his audience that trust cannot be bought—it is earned.
“In Swapo,” he said, “you have a party and a leadership that has earned its trust through the test of time. We are no Johnny-come-latelies to the arena of governance. Instead, we are pioneers who have worked with vigor, purpose, and patriotism over the past 34 years as a governing party. The Namibia you see today is because of the hard work and dedication of our party cadres and all patriotic citizens.”
Speaking about “those that like to cast aspersions on the pedigree of the Swapo Party leadership and our successes since independence,” he said: “History never remembers critics. Instead, history remembers creators.”
President Mbumba continued: “Creation, not criticism, is what builds societies and countries. Over the past 34 years, the Swapo Party has created a society defined by unity, peace, and stability while providing direction for the implementation of Namibia’s developmental objectives. We have built a strong foundation for democratic governance and socio-economic development. We also know that there is still a lot we must do to ensure that the dream of prosperity becomes a reality that each Namibian can experience in his or her own unique way and in their lifetime.”
He said Swapo’s plans and strategies for Namibia’s continued development are outlined in the party’s 2024 election manifesto under the theme: Unity in Diversity: Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.
“This manifesto,” he said, “does not contain empty promises. It does not contain pie-in-the-sky promises. There are no unrealistic pledges. Rather, it outlines what Swapo has achieved over the past 34 years and what we plan to do in the next five years to further consolidate the welfare of Namibians. As a party, we are focused on the bread-and-butter issues which affect the daily lives of our people.”
The president expressed confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, saying that she is capable of fulfilling the Second Struggle, which is for the economic emancipation of Namibians.
