Renthia Kaimbi
Walvis Bay Urban Constituency councillor Deriou Benson raised concerns about the Independent Patriots for Change’s (IPC) requirement that office bearers contribute 10% of their salary to the party before leaving the party to join Swapo.
His move took place yesterday during a Swapo door-to-door campaign in Narraville, Walvis Bay.
Benson’s move comes only days before Wednesday’s local and regional elections.
It happened one day after the IPC held a campaign event in Walvis Bay with party president Panduleni Itula on Saturday.
Sources say his exit is a major setback for the IPC in Walvis Bay. They claim he refused to endorse current mayor Trevino Forbes as his successor and preferred handing the office to a Swapo councillor.
They also say he had long raised discomfort with the 10% contribution expected from IPC councillors and members of parliament.
Benson told the Windhoek Observer that he gave the IPC notice two years ago to nominate another candidate and that he resigned for personal reasons.
“I would rather try and get my business off the ground than venture into politics any time soon,” he said.
He confirmed that he will not be making the final 10% contribution this week.
“Yes, the 10% policy is a real thing. You need to contribute 10% of your net salary to the IPC. As you serve on their ticket. That goes for every councillor and member of parliament,” he said.
Benson said he valued his time in the IPC and appreciated the experience he gained.
“I have nothing bad to say about the IPC, its leaders or the Patriots. It was my first party and political home. I have gained so much knowledge and experience. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me. However, I feel like I can broaden my knowledge, and the support I had this past week from the ruling party definitely showed me I didn’t make a mistake,” he said.
He dismissed claims that he refused to endorse Forbes or boycotted the party’s campaign.
“‘Refused’ is a strong word. No one asked me to endorse anyone. And I gave notice to say that I am travelling and will only be back in Walvis today,” he said.
Political analyst Kieran Hayward said the move by Benson is a major setback that shows a deep loss of confidence in the IPC and its Walvis Bay urban constituency candidate, Trevino Forbes.
He added that the timing is symbolically significant.
He said the move, especially at this stage, suggests that those closest to the campaign believe the party is in serious trouble.
Hayward said the move points to internal disillusionment and a belief that Trevino Forbes is not a viable leader for Walvis Bay Urban. He further stated that this indicates a lack of confidence among the party’s own members.
In the Zambezi region, Sibinda Constituency councillor and member of parliament Micky Lukaezi also moved from the IPC to join Swapo yesterday.
This follows the resignation of IPC’s Ogongo constituency candidate Arkeleus Shonena, who abandoned his nomination last month to join Swapo ahead of the elections.
IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge dismissed the defections.
“Zero… We are glad incompetent individuals left to where incompetence is worshipped. Good luck to them,” he said.
He said the party only has space for members committed to service.
“We don’t have space for job seekers. We have space for patriotic Namibians who want nothing but to serve, and they have ethics and principles,” he said.
Sitting councillors and former members of parliament from several opposition parties, including the People’s Democratic Movement, have in recent months joined Swapo.
