Patience Makwele
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned of what she described as a wave of misinformation targeting Swapo and called on party members to remain united.
She made the remarks on Saturday during the 11th meeting of the party’s central committee at the Gateway Centre.
The meeting included members of the central committee, politburo and senior leadership, including former president Nangolo Mbumba.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said false information is being used to create division within the party.
“There are those who present falsehoods as facts to sow confusion, mistrust and disunity among our rank and file,” she said.
She urged members to remain disciplined and focused.
“As leaders and cadres, we must be disciplined in our conduct, responsible in our communication, and collective in the decisions we make,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said unity remains important for the party.
She said differences of opinion must still align with shared values.
She warned against forces that may try to take advantage of divisions.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged leaders to remain committed to the party’s principles.
“As Party leaders, we are charged with ensuring that Swapo remains strong, united and forward-looking,” she said.
Swapo member and analyst Lazarus Jimmy Mutonga said the remarks point to concern about unity within the party.
“When leadership emphasises unity this strongly, it often indicates underlying tensions that need to be managed carefully,” he said.
Mutonga said the way information spreads has changed.
“Information is now decentralised. Party structures no longer monopolise messaging, and that creates vulnerability,” he said.
He said internal dynamics remain important.
“External criticism is expected, but when unity and discipline are stressed repeatedly, it usually indicates concern about fragmentation within party ranks,” he said.
Mutonga said delivering results is important for political support.
“In political terms, delivery is the strongest counter to criticism. If citizens feel the impact of these policies, it becomes harder for opposing narratives to gain traction,” he said.
He warned that unresolved tensions could weaken the party over time.
“The risk is a gradual erosion of cohesion. Over time, that weakens messaging, reduces public confidence and opens space for alternative voices,” he said.
At the same meeting, three members were sworn into the party’s central committee. Two of them, Kadiva Hamutumwa and Sakarias Nendongo, are from the Namibia Exile Kids Association (NEKA), while the third, Linken Chibozu, is the new regional coordinator from Zambezi. The central committee serves as the party’s highest policy-making body.
