By Lillie Happiness
ONGWEDIVA, Aug. 21 – The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) concluded its 7th congress in Ongwediva of Oshana region and re-elected Ephraim Nekongo and Christine Haindaka as secretary and deputy secretary unopposed despite big protests from a faction of the youth league.
A faction led by the governor of the Kunene region Marius Sheya and chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC) Sharonice Busch fielded Willem Amutenya at the last minute to challenge Nekongo for secretary’s position, which led to disruptions and delays in proceedings at the congress.
This action also led to Sharonice and Sheya almost being disqualified to stand for central committee positions by Congress whose majority supported Nekongo however after lengthy discussions the two were allowed to stand and both made it to the central committee.
Willem Amutenya was barred from standing against Nekongo by the congress although he made it to the central committee as number 10 with 264 votes.
According to sources close to the politics of the SPYL, the congress was heavily influenced by the upcoming watershed November Swapo congress as Nekongo is seen as having a massive influence on the fortunes of current vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to retain her position.
In his acceptance speech, Nekongo wasted no time in attacking the leadership of the party in a message some people interpreted as being directed to party president Hage Geingob, accusing him of running the party down.
“Don’t use us in your fights, leave us alone, whether you are standing as president, vice – president or secretary general, please don’t involve us in your fights, you are busy destroying the party,” Nekongo angrily said.
Chairperson of Kavango East regional youth forum Moses Sikerete topped the list of the male SPYL central committee with 337 votes while Iyaalo Shivute led the female list with 313 votes.
Sikerete a teacher who hails from Shighuru village of the Kavango East is tipped to be elected SPYL spokesperson at their National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting next month – Namibia Daily News.
