Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
SWAPO party vice president and elected presidential candidate, speaking at a party rally held in Rehoboth, highlighted potential growth strategies for the Hardap region, including oil and gas, logistics, tourism, and agriculture.
She also warned against infighting within the party, stating that those who continue to campaign for the party’s presidential candidacy are doing so unconstitutionally.
During the rally held in Rehoboth’s Block E, the Secretary General of the SWAPO party, Sophia Shaningwa, declared that Nandi-Ndaitwah is the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
In her statement delivered in Rehoboth, Nandi-Ndaitwah mentioned that the Hardap Region was the last to be won over by the party’s colours (blue, red, and green) in November 2022 during the party’s internal campaign engagements before the 7th Congress.
“Today, we have all gathered here, following the decision by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the SWAPO Party for leaders to maintain contact with the people. This contact aims to sustain and expand mobilization activities, keeping people informed about party policies and programs, and formally communicating the outcome of the 7th Party Congress after the intensive internal campaign,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
This marks the sixth regional engagement, following similar events held in Zambezi, Kavango East, Kunene, Erongo, and Ohangwena. Defending her presidential candidacy, Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that supporting a candidate of choice before and during the Congress is acceptable. However, she emphasized that it is politically incorrect, counterproductive, and unconstitutional for SWAPO Party members to continue campaigning after the Congress has elected its leaders.
“I therefore urge all of you to consistently seek unity of purpose and action. SWAPO Party is our political home, which we must protect at all costs. The overarching principle is that the interests of the SWAPO Party supersede our individual interests. I therefore call on each of us to introspect and eliminate anything that might hinder the unity of our esteemed Party,” Nandi-Ndaitwah urged.
The SWAPO presidential candidate explained that the party’s visit to Rehoboth aims to stimulate discussions on bridging the wealth gap, adding value to resources for the benefit of Namibian citizens, and achieving economic sovereignty. “Without economic control, political independence holds no meaning. As the political and economic capital of the country, the Khomas Region, along with the Hardap Region, should actively drive the manufacturing of goods for the Khomas Region’s economy. Additionally, the Omaheke Region on the eastern side serves as a gateway to Botswana, facilitating cross-border trade for the Hardap Region,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated.
She further emphasized that Namibia is rapidly emerging as a global frontier for oil and gas exploration, owing to recent significant discoveries. “The country boasts extensive natural resources, estimated at 11 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. The oil and gas sector holds the potential to become a critical game-changer in Africa, and Namibia must ensure its position as a leading player and beneficiary of its own resources. The SWAPO Party and its leadership are fully committed to achieving this. Given that the oil and gas discoveries, as well as Green Hydrogen initiatives, are focused on the //Kharas and Erongo Regions, significant opportunities await unlocking in the Hardap Region,” Nandi-Ndaitwah asserted.
She also noted the necessity of preparing the region to serve as the gateway to the oil and gas industry by positioning its people as key players in the service sector. “Developing a service industry will unlock the regional potential in hospitality, tourism, information services, information technology, and various other sectors,” Nandi-Ndaitwah added. Additionally, the vice president highlighted agriculture and tourism as sectors that could unlock the region’s potential.
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