Lahja Nashuuta
Africa-Press – Namibia. Like him or hate him, Joseph Kauandenge has cemented himself as an omnipresent figure in contemporary Namibian politics. He is not going anywhere anytime soon, either.
He surprised the nation on Monday by unveiling the Association for Localised Interests (Asoli), weeks after denying any ties to it.
It is a newly-registered political movement, which he said aims at transforming urban governance.
Just less than two months after vacating his seat in the National Assembly and two weeks post his resignation as National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) secretary general (SG), Kauandenge has now fired back at critics who accused him of political opportunism, following the surprise launch of a new political association.
He is adamant that he will remain an ordinary member of Nudo.
In an exclusive interview with New Era yesterday, he dismissed accusations of being a political “hopper” or opportunist, defending his decision to form the new association.
In the past, Kauandenge formed the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which made only a cameo appearance in the local political theatre.
He once also joined forces in 2013 with the National Democratic Party’s Martin Lukato Lukato. That wedding did not last long.
Soon, Kauandenge would return to Nudo, on whose ticket he served as a Windhoek municipal councillor between 2015 and 2019.
“Well, how does someone who is called a political prostitute and supposedly not to be taken seriously manage to rally so many people behind him, even to the point of registering an association?” Kauandenge wanted to know.
“You don’t just wake up and register a political organisation; you need a support base. Those who follow me, by that same logic, must also be political prostitutes or party hoppers, or whatever labels people want to use. So be it. Let those who sit comfortably in their corner continue doing that. We’ll do our thing here,” he maintained.
Despite founding Asoli, which is expected to contest against Nudo and other formations during this year’s Local Authorities’ elections, particularly in Windhoek, Kauandenge insists he is still a bona fide Nudo member, “unless they fire me”.
“Of course, I’m still a member of Nudo. People ask how one can belong to a party and start an association. I challenge anyone to show me where in the Nudo constitution it says I can’t start an association. I’ve read it thoroughly. It only prohibits dual membership in another party, not association. If they want to fire me, let them. But I’m not resigning,” he added.
Journey
Kauandenge needs no introduction in the Namibian political arena.
His roots date back to 1989, when he joined the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (now the Popular Democratic Movement) as a student activist.
He remained with the party until 2003, before joining Nudo under the leadership of late Chief Kuaima Riruako. There, he rose to the position of secretary general.
“In 2004, I was unceremoniously removed from my position by party leaders who acted unlawfully. I stepped away to focus on music and academics,” he said.
However, in 2014, Nudo called him back to help revive the party. He was re-elected SG at the watershed 2019 congress, after the initial congress fell flat a year earlier.
In 2019, he was elected to the National Assembly, where he served until March this year, alongside party leader Utjiua Muinjangue.
“During my tenure as SG, I stabilised the party and expanded its appeal across tribal lines. I believe Nudo should be a party for all Namibians. And I brought that mindset into the party,” he added.
“In Parliament, I believe I performed exceptionally well. I was one of the few who could stand up and speak without relying on a prepared speech,” he said.
However, internal party politics remained a challenge within Nudo.
“Traditional chiefs hold too much sway. If they oppose something, even if the party leadership agrees on it, it simply won’t happen. Last year’s constant infighting, which cost us a seat in Parliament, was due in large part to that influence,” he continued.
Vision
Kauandenge and his yellow Asoli army have big dreams.
They will contest the upcoming local authorities’ elections in November, focusing on Windhoek.
“Windhoek is our launchpad. Urban residents are suffering due to poor governance and political infighting. The council is dysfunctional; both ruling and opposition parties are more focused on politics than the people. Asoli wants to change that,” Kauandenge said.
The movement will advocate for improved housing, better access to water and electricity, and a comprehensive reform of the urban development policy.
“Thousands live in shacks, and the numbers keep rising. We need urgent reform, especially on land allocation, informal settlements and housing. Asoli will offer practical solutions, not just empty promises,” he pledged.
The politician emphasised that Asoli is inclusive and open to Namibians from all political backgrounds who seek real change at the grassroots’ level. The initiative, he said, is self-funded, with early operations financed from his personal savings.
Reforms
He also criticised the centralised structure of government, saying it undermines local governance.
“Local authorities are critical for service delivery, but they’re systematically sidelined. National government tightly controls resources, rendering councils powerless. Decentralisation isn’t just a talking point; it’s a necessity if we want real development,” Kauandenge stressed.
Source: neweralive
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