We’ve already won: Kauandenge

WINDHOEK, 22 MAY  – The Utjiua Miunjangue-led ‘Team Nudo’ claims to have the support of more than half of the 501 delegates going to the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) congress this weekend.
Some 350 delegates are on their side, Windhoek Councillor and Team Nudo secretary general (SG) candidate, Joseph Kauandenge said during his team’s final star rally in the capital on Saturday.
According to Kauandenge, they are confident of getting at least 140 votes from Windhoek, 88 from the Aminius Constituency and 60 from Omaruru.
“We have already won,” he told the about 200 people in attendance.
Kauandenge said a situation whereby Namibians live in shacks and informal settlements 28 years after independence is unacceptable.
“This country has abundant resources and money to be used and to be spent on our people,” he said.
He also said if Team Nudo emerges victorious at Nudo’s third elective congress on Saturday, they will advocate for the restitution of ancestral land rights.
“We can no longer support the willing buyer-willing seller policy that has been there for some time and is not working,” he said.
Kauandenge added that Team Nudo intends to take their party back to the people and to its rightful place in society.
He said since Nudo seceded from the then DTA of Namibia in 2003, it has taken a downward trajectory and is on the verge of collapse under its current leadership.
“A political party needs vocal people. It needs people who bring the issues and interests of the masses to the fore. These people are missing from the current Nudo leadership,” he said.
Kauandenge said it was a pity that Nudo supporters admire other opposition leaders in the National Assembly for standing up for their people.
“When we point out these things, we are accused of promoting Venaani (McHenry, Popular Democratic Movement leader) or Maamberua (Usutuaije, Swanu of Namibia Member of Parliament). But in Nudo, we have two MPs, the president (Asser Mbai) and the secretary general but they are silent,” he said.
The highly anticipated Nudo congress is slated for Friday and Saturday.
Team Nudo will battle it out against ‘Team 100 per cent VK’ headed by Okakarara Constituency Councillor, Vetaruhe Kandorozu as its presidential candidate.
Kandorozu will have to beat Miunjangue if he is to lead the party for the next five years.
Team Nudo and Team 100 per cent VK have Aminius Constituency Councillor, Peter Kazongominja and academic, Professor Jekura Kavari as their candidates for vice president.
Current SG, Meundju Jahanika of Team 100 per cent VK will have to beat Kauandenge to retain his post.

NAMPA