By Staff Reporter
NDIYONA, August 06 – The Swapo party in the Ndonga Linena constituency concluded its District conference yesterday amidst fierce competition. The well-known veteran politician, Ben Shikanga, a member of the elder council and a retired teacher, secured the District Coordinator position by defeating the incumbent with 45 votes. Maria Kanyetu garnered 35 votes in the tightly contested race.
In an effort to promote gender equality, the ruling Swapo party adopted a zebra-style leadership approach during its elections procedures. However, this rule disadvantaged Andreas Nyumbu Kandjeke, who was anticipated to secure his position as mobilizer with 40 votes. Instead, the end of a dominant political career in Ndonga Linena was marked by the victory of Naimi Daniel from the Karuci villages, who received 35 votes.
Eugene Hamberera, a local teacher, clinched the position of District Treasurer with 45 votes, surpassing the incumbent Augustinus Shifwaku, who managed 36 votes.
The District conference, held in the Gciriku Traditional Authority hall at Ndiyona, was not without its share of controversy. Both candidates of the Swapo party youth league (SPYL), Gertrud Ndara, a member of the central committee vying for the Information and Mobilization position, and Burtha Thimende, who intended to challenge for the Coordinator position, were unexpectedly disqualified at the last minute. Swapo Regional Mobilizer Bonifasius Kudumo, who oversaw the conference, could not be reached for comments as his mobile remains unreachable.- Namibia Daily News