Africa-Press – Namibia. Three more Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) heavyweights resigned from the party on Monday.
They joined the ruling party, Swapo.
The trio are Antonius Muremi, a member of the national executive committee, as well as the couple Launa and Imanuel Garosab, who also served in the same committee.
The couple, in a letter seen by New Era, indicated that after careful consideration and reflection on personal values, priorities and future aspirations, they decided that it is in their best interest to step away from the party.
“This decision has not come easily, as we appreciated the opportunity to contribute and serve under the banner of IPC. We remain grateful for the experiences gained and the relationships built during our time with the party. Our decision is based purely on personal reasons and should not be seen as an act of hostility or disloyalty,” they said.
Muremi, who addressed his resignation letter to IPC’s Erongo leader, Aloisius Kangulu, also cited personal conviction.
“This decision was carefully considered, while appreciating the opportunity to serve under the banner of IPC. I remain grateful for the experiences gained and the relationships built during our time with the party. My decision is based purely on personal conviction that I should move on,” he said.
Contacted yesterday for a comment, IPC regional chairperson for Erongo and parliamentarian Kangulu said he was not aware of the resignations.
“I did not even check my inbox, nor did I have time to scan my WhatsApp.
“As per political analysis, we may get more people changing T-shirts simply because of bread and butter,” she added.
The latest resignations follow shortly after the departure of three members – Taapopi Shikongo, who served as IPC’s Walvis Bay Urban constituency chairperson and regional executive member; Shat David, former Swakopmund chairperson and regional executive member; and Christian Kazuvire, former Erongo vice chairperson and Omaruru chairperson—who joined Swapo last Friday in Swakopmund.
Just last month, the party suffered the resignation of six founding members from its Kavango East branch: Patrick Kashera, Richard Shindimba, Shiyave Mwengere, Shimona Sandrina, Kaveto Ambrosius, and Muremwa Athanasius. All six held senior positions within the party’s regional structures.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kangulu said the party was aware of internal discontent and conversations that led to some of the resignations.
“We were not caught off guard. These resignations were expected and are less regrettable. However, their exit does not derail our mission or vision in any way,” she stated.
Welcome back
Walvis Bay Rural district coordinator Patrick Bathromeus told New Era that the latest trio had already applied for membership with Swapo.
He said the demand to join Swapo has been very high these days, as many believe that the new leadership under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is serious. “Most members have realised that the services and promises – especially those made by the Walvis Bay council – are a non-starter. They are coming back home,” he said.
“Hence, we are encouraging each and every peace-loving Namibian to take time, think twice, and join Swapo,” he said.
While welcoming the new members, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said she is always happy to receive those returning home.
“Swapo is a home for all its children. We are happy to welcome you back. You have made the right decision,” she said.
Shaningwa said that Erongo remains a critical region for the ruling party and that the return of experienced members will help strengthen Swapo’s presence in the coastal areas.
“We cannot afford to leave the coast in the hands of the opposition. The spirit of the late Nathaniel Maxuilili, one of Swapo’s political giants, needs to be at peace,” she added.
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