Allexer Namundjembo
Former Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Walvis Bay Rural councillor Deriou Benson says he did not receive money to leave IPC, insisting his departure was driven by frustration and lack of support.
In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Benson said his resignation was “a sober choice” and dismissed claims that Swapo paid him to leave the IPC.
“I was 100% not paid. That I can swear on the Lord’s name. It was a sober choice,” Benson said.
He explained that over time, his disengagement from IPC activities grew because his local government duties often clashed with party expectations.
He said these clashes made him feel that he and fellow councillor Micky Lukuezi from Sibinda had been left without support.
“The party was never really supported. I was tired,” he said.
Benson stressed that he does not plan to return to politics.
“I have been saying these past two years I am not coming back. I am going to venture back into the private sector,” he said. He added that IPC’s vice president was aware of his intention to step away.
He added that he is not seeking any political office and that his alignment with Swapo is only as a sympathiser.
“Even if the opportunity arises, I will respectfully decline … These past five years were the most challenging period in my life,” he said.
Benson expressed gratitude to the IPC for the opportunity to serve.
“They provided me with an opportunity to serve; I will forever be grateful for that,” he said. He added, “I was never a politician. I was and will always be Deriou Benson.”
He also rejected claims that he had belonged to other political parties. “IPC was my first political home,” he said.
Benson’s exit comes as IPC faces several high-level resignations. Earlier this year, six founding members of the Kavango East branch resigned, citing concerns about transparency, internal governance and what they described as a leadership style based on intimidation. The group included Patrick Kashera, Richard Shindimba, Shiyave Mwengere, Shimona Sandrina, Kaveto Ambrosius and Muremwa Athanasius.
The IPC has not issued any formal comment on Benson’s resignation.
