SPYL urges for unity after SWAPO congress

By Staff Reporter

The SWAPO PARTY  youth wing has called for a unified party following a contrasted just ended congress that has elected new leadership over the weekend of November 29 and December 1.

The SPYL also called for the end of the ‘inner-Party-campaigning, by urging the ruling party members to now focus on hard work for the benefit of the party and country.

The congress saw Minister of Trade and Industry Hage Geingob being endorsed as Swapo’s Vice President, and ultimately as the next president of Namibia in 2014, when he will succeed President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The congress also elected Minster of Safety and Security Nangolo Mbumba who was won 352 votes as the Secretary General of the ruling party, and will be deputised by Omaheke governor Laura McLeod Katjirua.

Geingob garnered 312 votes, while and McLeod Katjirua got 300.

About 56 members were also elected to serve on the Central Committee (CC). This is the new party leadership for the next five years.

The 2012 fifth congress was held under the theme ‘Towards Equity and Economic Emancipation’. It was attended by over 600 delegates from all the 13 regions.

Speaking at the press conference on December 3, SPYL Secretary General Dr Elijah Ngurare said congress evaluated the implementation of the 4^thSwapo Party Congress report, the report of the Central Committee.

Ngurare noted that the congress also evaluated the first ever Swapo Party Policy Conference resolutions.

“In particular we are happy that youth empowerment, rural development and genuine economic empowerment also featured prominently during the deliberations of the congress,” Ngurare said.

He continued saying that the resolution of the congress must address the ‘bread and butter issues’ of the Namibian people, as it will deliver them from poverty, diseases and ignorance.

“These resolutions must keep Swapo party as the only party which contains the hopes and aspirations of poor people. Therefore, as elected leadership, the basket of hope is placed on your heads to deliver,” He said.

Ngurare used the platform to congratulate Minster of Regional and Local Government Jerry Ekandjo, Minster of Education Dr Abraham Iyambo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Utoni Nujoma, who all did not get elected at congress.

“We commend them in particular for accepting the results and supporting the new leadership,” said Ngurare.