Patience Makwele
Swapo leaders say growing divisions could affect unity and preparations for the 2027 elective congress.
The warning comes as the party marked its 66th anniversary on Sunday.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the party must focus on delivering results to meet public expectations.
“The times have changed and so have the expectations of our people,” she said.
She pointed to jobs, land, housing, healthcare and education as key priorities and urged the party to remain “alert, forward-looking and grounded in service delivery”.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba urged unity and discipline within the party.
“You must work in harmony and unity to take our party forward so it remains formidable and able to make tangible changes in the lives of the Namibian people,” Pohamba said.
He said internal differences should not weaken the party ahead of key political processes.
Pohamba said the party must continue to earn public trust.
“We must remain a party of yesterday, today and tomorrow but, above all, a party that continues to earn the trust of its people through action,” he said.
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga dismissed claims of divisions.
“So far, we are very, very united,” he told the Windhoek Observer.
He said the party remains strong while noting there is room for improvement.
“We did not win by a 100%, so there is always room for improvement,” he said.
Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, on the anniversary of the party, called for unity and commitment.
“As we reflect on the journey of our movement and the progress of our nation, we acknowledge with deep appreciation that our elders have indeed played their part in advancing the Swapo party philosophy of solidarity, freedom and justice,” she said.
She said the current generation must build on that legacy with “renewed commitment, clarity of vision and unity of purpose”.
Swapo’s 2027 congress will elect its top leadership and is widely seen as a key moment in shaping the party’s future direction.
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes said the party is entering a transition that could shape its next leadership.
“I think we are going to have a new leader,” he said. “I don’t think the current person can be the next candidate. I think about 60% will emerge with new leadership.”
He said recent Cabinet changes show a shift toward younger leaders.
“If you look at the new Cabinet, it’s young blood… I think we are going to increase a new kind of leadership,” he said.
Johannes said divisions within the party are not new and often become more visible during leadership changes.
“It is something that is there already… Swapo has always been divided into different groups,” he said.
He said internal contests have in the past led to the formation of new political parties.
