Africa-Press – Namibia. OPPOSITION parties have lashed out at Swapo officials wearing their party attire while carrying out government duties and at national events.
This comes after the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida), Mihe Gaomab II, was seen wearing a Swapo outfit while visiting Naute Irrigation Farm last month.
Another incident involved the deputy minister of international relations and cooperation Jennelly Matundu who was seen wearing a Swapo dress last Wednesday during a visit by Ashraf el-Nour, the regional director for southern Africa of an international organisation for migration.
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader Loginus Iipumbu says government officials who are members of Swapo should not wear their party attire to work or official events.
“This is madness . . . Action must be taken against these officials,” he says.
Iipumbu added that it is not correct for Swapo party government officials to wear party attire even at national events, saying national events are not Swapo events.
“They are representing the nation and not the Swapo party . . . The president must deal with this issue,” he says.
Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) president Mike Kavekotora says the trend is a disgrace and an abuse of power.
“There is a difference between the government and the Swapo party,” he says.
“This is a breach of the Namibian Constitution,” he says.
South West Africa National Union (Swanu) president Evaristus Kaaronda has labelled the trend as “stupid, unpatriotic and [divisive]”.
He says if another political party’s officials wore their party attire to work or national events, Swapo would be the first to complain.
“It’s crazy. These people were supposed to be called to order already. You are not serving the Swapo party but all Namibians,” Kaarondo says.
He says the attitude of Swapo government officials does not surprise him, however.
ANALYSTS WEIGH IN
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says there should be a separation between a political party and the government.
He says it is important for the officials of any political party to respect their functions and responsibilities.
“That is why we have a national flag which all Namibians can use . . . and not political attire,” he says.
Kamwanyah says the government represents all Namibians regardless of their political affiliation or ideology.
“Wearing Swapo attire you are sending a message that this is a Swapo event,” he says.
Kamwanyah says the two officials who have been seen wearing Swapo attire are highly informed individuals who know it is inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Gaomab II last month posted on Facebook that there seems to be a misunderstanding around him wearing attire representing his political affiliation.
“It was not a political discussion or decision at all. I was on a mission, and my jacket and attire was the only one available at the time. Surely I was wearing the jacket, but underestimated the weather,” he posted.
He said it was hot on the particular day and he had to remove his jacket.
“I am obliged to wear as such justifiably! No politics intended,” Goamab II said.
Matundu yesterday said she did not wear a Swapo dress to the involved event.
“The complaint is irrelevant. First prove to me how that is a Swapo party dress,” she said.
Matundu said Swapo’s colours involve a certain pattern, which was not on her dress.
“I hope you have noticed that,” she said.
The pictures of Matundu in so-called party attire posted on the ministry’s Facebook page have been deleted.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa when approached for comment yesterday asked whether she dresses people at home.
“Why are you asking me all this? Go and ask them,” she said.
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