Oshana governor warns Swapo against tribalism
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has warned Swapo members against tribalism and factionalism, saying leadership contests must not divide the ruling party. Speaking during the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Oshana extraordinary conference at Ongwediva yesterday, Iipinge urged delegates to place unity above personal ambitions and political camps. “I wish to call upon all delegates to […] The post Oshana governor warns Swapo against tribalism appeared first on The Namibian.
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Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has warned Swapo members against tribalism and factionalism, saying leadership contests must not divide the ruling party.
Speaking during the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Oshana extraordinary conference at Ongwediva yesterday, Iipinge urged delegates to place unity above personal ambitions and political camps.
“I wish to call upon all delegates to pledge unity above individual interests. Leadership contests must never divide us. Elections come and go, but the movement [Swapo] remains,” he said.
Iipinge cautioned that political competition within the party should not result in division among members, stressing that one Swapo and one youth league should remain in the Oshana region, “not two”.
He warned young party members against engaging in politics driven by insults, intimidation, misinformation and character assassination.
“Let us debate ideas and programmes, not personalities. Such tendencies weaken and distract us from the real responsibilities we have towards our people,” he said.
The governor further urged the youth to reject tribalism and hatred, saying Namibia needs young leaders who promote democracy, unity and social cohesion.
“Never allow yourself to be used to spread hatred, tribalism, division or violence,” he said.
He encouraged young people to embrace cooperation and mentorship instead of competing with one another destructively.
“We must move away from the mentality of gatekeeping information and opportunities. Instead, we must empower one another through mentorship, cooperation and teamwork,” Iipinge said.
He called on young people to become job creators instead of relying solely on employment opportunities.
“We should not just be jobseekers, but also job creators,” he said.
Iipinge’s remarks come two weeks after president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on Swapo members to remain united.
Speaking during the party’s recent central committee meeting in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah warned against misinformation, disinformation and internal division, saying some individuals were using modern communication platforms to create confusion, mistrust and disunity within Swapo.
“We must therefore guard jealously against tendencies that seek to divide us, whether from within or from external forces,” she said at the time.
The Swapo president urged party members across all structures to remain disciplined, loyal and focused on strengthening the party rather than creating division through internal disputes.
“Internal debate must aim to build the party, not break it up,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The post Oshana governor warns Swapo against tribalism appeared first on The Namibian.
