Africa-Press – Namibia. Newly elected councillor for the Kapako constituency, Augustinus Linyando Kupembona from the Swapo party, says his victory marks the beginning of real change for what he describes as “the poorest constituency” in the Kavango West region.
Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) results show that Kupembona won with 2 476 votes, defeating Frans Kamina (IC) – 1 489 votes, Alfred Hausiku (IC) – 1 289 votes, and Theresia Hamutenya (IPC) – 176 votes.
“The struggle of campaigning was real, but we have faith in this struggle,” Kupembona said in an interview with Nampa on Saturday. “We were very positive that we were going to win, with all the support I got from my people,” he added. The councillor, who served in Swapo district structures for 13 years, targeted young people. “The understanding of politics in this constituency was not there among our young people. But my target was young people, the ones who will take over in the years to come,” said Kupembona. Documentation tops Kupembona’s priority list, which he said affects thousands of residents’ access to government programmes. “Once you don’t have documents, you are out of all government programmes,” he said. “Our population here is over 27 000 but many don’t have documents,” he added. Without proper documentation, the government cannot effectively plan for residents or include them in development programmes.
“The poverty is not exclusion, but the main thing is being documented – that’s a licence to access the programmes,” he said.
Drawing on his experience with former councillors, Kupembona understands the constituency’s problems, including unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and youth challenges.
“I am part of the problem we are facing – lack of hospitals, unemployment, and infrastructure issues. We know exactly where the problems are,” he explains.Despite campaign tensions, Kupembona emphasised inclusive leadership. “We will carry everyone. There were issues during campaigning, but that will not come to our moving forward. We must leave no one behind because of political differences,” he emphasised. With the rainy season underway, he urged residents to utilise agricultural opportunities while warning against dependency.
“The rain is raining. Our fields must be ready. The land next to the river can produce food for us,” he said. Kupembona called on young people to acquire skills and get involved. “Young people must get involved, and their hands must get dirty, including getting understanding about VTCs and other training centres,” said Kupembona.
He added that the Swapo Party manifesto will further guide the constituency office.
“The strategies are there. We have our manifesto in place. It’s just a matter of implementation,” said Kupembona. -Nampa
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
