Africa-Press – Namibia. President Hage Geingob says some Swapo members are ashamed of being associated with the ruling party.
“Shame on you if you are trying to be ashamed,” Geingob said at the Swapo central committee meeting held in Windhoek on Saturday, where he also claimed that the media is trying to make some Swapo leaders look stupid.
The central committee meeting is set to discuss, among others, the possibility of amending the Swapo constitution which could shape the succession battle at this year’s elective congress.
The ruling party has been tainted by the Fishrot corruption scandal which includes allegations that stolen public funds were used to finance and buy votes for Geingob and his party faction called Team Harambee.
Geingob urged Swapo members not to feel guilty of being supporters of the party.
He said today’s central committee showed pride.
Geingob also took a swipe at Swapo’s critics such as the Popular Democratic Movement, formally known as the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) and some sections of the media for allegedly collaborating with the apartheid government.
“The truth is we fought for this country while some of them were collaborating with the boers. They are talking too much. Where was DTA … somebody from DTA calling people sell-outs and puppets,” Geingob said.
He said he is tired of Swapo members being ridiculed in the public for making political statements to make them look stupid.
“Why do you want to hate us? We freed you,” he said.
Swapo leaders have in the past months faced criticism over public comments made at rallies.
This includes claims by former minister Jerry Ekandjo who claimed that Namibia’s national flag belongs to Swapo.
Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was quoted in the media this month saying that Swapo should be kept in power until Jesus returns.
To Geingob, that is a political statement.
“When we make political statements, we are ridiculed as if we are stupid, we are educated,” Geingob added.
He said other political parties are not criticised for making ambitious statements such as taking over the government after the 2024 national elections. “That’s nonsense,” the president said.
“Freedom of the press you are enjoying. We fought for it. Where were some of you … with the boers,” Geingob said.
“I’m getting tired of this. You should be the one to be ashamed of your history is rotten, collaborators.”
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