By Staff reporter
WINDHOEK, September 12 – The recently concluded Swapo Party’s “watermouth” Electoral College has given former Swapo Party Youth League Secretary, Dr. Elijah Ngurare, a political lifeline, thanks to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Ngurare has spent almost 15 years in the political wilderness.
Ngurare succeeded Paulus Kapia as the top youth leader in 2007, but shortly after taking office, he clashed with the Swapo leadership elected during that year’s congress, led by the late Hage Geingob. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was part of Geingob’s preferred vice-presidential slate, had a different vision. Ngurare, however, supported the camp led by the sidelined politician Jerry Ekandjo, a choice that resulted in Ngurare’s political marginalization for nearly 15 years.
Despite his political setbacks, Ngurare maintained support from sections of the youth who attempted to push him through at various past congresses and electoral colleges, though these efforts were unsuccessful. That changed over the weekend when he was included among the presidential 10 nominees.
When Immanuel Wise, the election’s chief officer, announced Ngurare’s name, the hall erupted in noise, especially from the jubilant youth, many of whom had secured top positions in the Electoral College. They chanted his name repeatedly: “Ngurare!”
Before the announcement, one of Ngurare’s staunch supporters, Paulus Mbangu, now an independent councillor of Rundu Rural Constituency and a member of the National Council, posted on social media: “Ngurare’s long walk to freedom.” This sparked a wave of well-wishers, with many expressing optimism that Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment of Ngurare would help unify the party. Ngurare could not be reached for comment, as his phone continued ringing unanswered before publication. – Namibia Daily News
