Africa-Press – Namibia. A NEWLY sworn in senior traditional councillor of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority, Michael Shatipamba, has condemned the abusive use on social media of images captured during his brief meeting with Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Epafras Mukwiilongo of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF).
Shatipamba met Itula and Mukwiilongo on the sidelines of a banquet he hosted at his traditional homestead on Wednesday, moments after he was sworn in as the new head of the Oshikuku district of Uukwambi.
Images captured during the brief encounter are now being used on social media to insinuate that he is either a member or supporter of the IPC/NEFF. Contacted for comment, Shatipamba explained what transpired.
“I was told that there were guests who wanted to see me and I went to see them. They were Itula and Mukwiilongo, leaders of political parties, but that is immaterial because, as traditional leader, I must be accessible to all,” Shatipamba said.
“As we sat down, someone was taking pictures. And that was where the problem started. The images went viral on social media where people are trying to link me to the political parties led by my two guests,” he said, adding that a mere meeting with leaders of political parties does not prove membership or support.
“As traditional leaders we must always be accessible to all people regardless of their political affiliation, religious beliefs and or social status. Therefore, meeting them was not wrong. What is wrong is the abusive use of the images for apparent political reasons.” He committed himself to carry out his duties and functions in accordance with Sections 10 and 16 of the Traditional Authorities Act.
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