Africa-Press – Namibia. LANDLESS People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi says his party remains unshaken and focused.
He made these remarks during the party’s media conference yesterday, amid rumours that some members want to topple the party’s leadership. A group, allegedly led by the LPM MP Edson Edmund Isaacks, former journalist Richard Swartbooi and five others, are suspected of wanting to replace the party’s leadership, as well as remove the non-Nama speaking members from parliament.
Those allegedly targeted are MP and LPM deputy leader Henny Seibeb and Utaara Mootu, as well as treasurer general Aina Kodi. LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi said political parties should not only represent one ethnic group.
He insisted that the LPM is a nationalist party for all people, which has a footprint across all 14 regions of the country. “That must be clear to our members and to those that are campaigning and mobilising for this great party,” he said.
Bernadus Swartbooi likened the group that is allegedly plotting to remove the LPM leadership to misbehaving children who are naughty on social media platforms.
ALLEGATIONS DENIED The group suspected of wanting to remove the leadership denied the allegations. “It’s not true. There is no truth in it. It’s a blatant lie. Let them bring evidence,” said Isaacks.
Richard Swartbooi also refuted the claims and challenged the leadership to use the party’s constitution to discipline them. “It’s in their imagination. What will I do with a small party? I can’t even go to parliament if I overthrow people. Parliamentary elections are only in 2024,” he said.
He also challenged the leadership to provide evidence for the alleged plan. Paul Thomas who is a founding member of the LPM said he is not interested in the leadership of the party.
He currently holds no position in the party structure, nor is he a member of the party’s political action committee. “For a lack of better words, it’s nothing else than paranoia,” said Paul.
Another member suspected of being part of the plot is former Mariental mayor Adam Kuhlman, who resigned from the town council on Thursday in response to the allegations. Floris Fleermuis, Hansie Hendricks and Anwar Thomas are the other members suspected of being part of the group.
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