Renthia Kaimbi
Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi has dismissed social media claims alleging that he is betraying prime minister Elijah Ngurare and positioning himself to take over his job.
He described the claims as an attempt to create division within Swapo ahead of its 2027 congress.
The claims circulate on social media under headlines that suggest rivalry and betrayal between the two leaders.
The posts refer to their time in the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), where Nekundi served as deputy secretary under Ngurare.
More recently, speculation has surfaced that Nekundi is plotting to replace Ngurare as prime minister and challenge him for the party’s vice presidency at the next congress.
Neither Ngurare nor Nekundi has publicly expressed interest in contesting any top party positions.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer yesterday, Nekundi rejected the allegations.
He said he and Ngurare have resolved past differences and are working together.
“Me and comrade prime minister held a burial of the past. We are focused on building our party and delivering on the mandate for why the party was elected and why we are accordingly deployed,” he told the Windhoek Observer.
Nekundi said he has no plans to unseat Ngurare or to contest for any position at the upcoming congress. The claims, he said, aim to inflame division within the party.
As the 2027 Swapo congress approaches, speculation has grown that Ngurare could be preferred for a top four position, with some political observers suggesting he may be considered for the party’s vice presidency.
“I am not aware, neither of myself nor of Cde PM, of ambitions to any position at the next Congress,” Nekundi stated.
The social media commentary also criticises Nekundi’s political record. It refers to his appointment as deputy minister during the Harambee period, linking it to youth politics.
It also questions policy decisions, including the licensing of seven-seater taxis and the spending of N$5 million on reflective animal collars and ear tags.
Further claims point to the 2024 Swapo congress, where Nekundi did not place high on the parliamentary list but was later appointed to parliament and then as a minister.
The appointment of Ngurare as prime minister and Natangue Ithete as deputy prime minister (now former) is also portrayed as a setback to Nekundi.
“Rumour manufacturing and promotion will never unite the party,” Nekundi said.
Questions sent to Ngurare were unanswered at the time of publication.
