Allexer Namundjembo
The United Democratic Front’s (UDF) Youth League has criticised former deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines, and energy, Natangue Ithete, for making comments they believe were divisive and irresponsible during his visit to Khorixas.
Ithete allegedly said he only wants to work with members of his own political party and suggested that if another political party were to win, the people of Khorixas would have “brought poverty upon themselves.”
In a video clip seen by the Windhoek Observer, Ithete is heard saying there are different candidates from different political parties contesting in this year’s regional and local elections, adding that it is good to work with Swapo candidates.
“It is true. I am telling the truth. It is about time to make sure that all seven local authority councillors are from Swapo,” Ithete said.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the UDF youth league described Ithete’s comments as reckless and an outright insult to democracy, unity, and equal representation.
“These words reflect a dangerous mindset that undermines the inclusive governance that every Namibian deserves, regardless of political affiliation,” the statement read.
The youth league said Ithete’s comments betrayed public trust and showed a lack of respect for the Constitution.
The group said his words suggested that development was being used as a political weapon instead of serving national progress.
It urged the Ithete to take back his statements and apologise to the people of Khorixas and the country. They also asked President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Swapo party leadership to discipline him, saying his behaviour damages the reputation of the office and weakens public trust in government.
“Leaders must lead by example, not by threats and exclusion,” said Reinold #Goseb, who signed the statement on behalf of the UDF Youth League’s acting information and publicity leadership.
Outjo Constituency community leader and Swapo member McKay Oswald Losper also distanced himself and the ruling party from Ithete’s alleged comments.
In a written response, Losper addressed the public’s concerns and emphasised that the Swapo party remains committed to unity and inclusive development.
“I have become aware of media discussion that deputy prime minister Natangue Ithete made remarks during a recent visit in Khorixas which have upset and offended some members of our community, particularly members of opposition parties,” Losper said.
He said the Swapo Party is dedicated to treating all citizens with respect and ensuring everyone is included in the country’s development, regardless of where they live or which political party they support.
“The remarks made by Ithete have undermined this principle and it is inconsistent with our values,” he added.
He asked the government and the party to take action on the matter.
Losper encouraged the Swapo secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, the party president and the office of the deputy prime minister to meet with Khorixas community leaders to show that the government is committed to fair development across all regions.
He stated that Ithete’s remarks fell short of the anticipated standards, urging an apology or clarification, in addition to concrete action.
Shortly after Ithete’s remarks were condemned, the presidency announced on Sunday that he had been dismissed from his position as deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy.
However, it is still unclear whether his dismissal was directly related to the comments he made.
