By Faustinus Kakupa
WINDHOEK,Jan.16 – – Political lobbying within the ruling SWAPO Party has intensified ahead of its elective congress scheduled for 2027, with several prominent figures emerging as potential contenders for the influential position of vice president a post that constitutionally designates its holder as the automatic successor to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Sources close to SWAPO internal politics say manoeuvring for the post began as early as last year, as party heavyweights position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly contested congress.
National Assembly Speaker and member of both the Political Bureau and Central Committee, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, remains a strong contender should she indicate willingness to stand again. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila finished second to President Nandi-Ndaitwah at the last congress and continues to enjoy solid backing from delegates who supported her previously, as well as party members who feel marginalised by the current administration.
According to insiders, her support base remains intact, positioning her as a formidable potential successor to President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Former Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta, who currently serves as SWAPO Secretary for Legal Affairs and is also a member of both the Political Bureau and Central Committee, is another name commanding attention. Shifeta remains popular within party structures and is viewed as a possible dark horse, owing to his roots in the party’s youth leadership ranks and longstanding loyalty to SWAPO.
After completing two full terms as SWAPO Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa is also being encouraged by her supporters to “graduate” to higher office. Party insiders argue that her role as the party’s top administrator could work in her favour during the lobbying process, should she decide to contest the vice-presidential position.
Current Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare has also emerged as a potential candidate, with some believing President Nandi-Ndaitwah may favour him, given his recent appointment to the premiership. However, critics argue that Ngurare does not currently meet constitutional requirements for the vice-presidential position, which stipulate a minimum of 10 years’ service on the Central Committee and five years on the Political Bureau which he does not serve,however anything can happen if he is identified as successor to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Political Commissar and Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi, who withdrew from the vice-presidential race during the 2017 congress in favour of President Nandi-Ndaitwah, is also seen as a strategic player. Kapofi is regarded as a tactful leader and could attract support from the presidency due to his past loyalty. Observers, however, note that ethnic considerations could surface, as he shares the same tribal background as the incumbent president.
The name of Veikko Nekundi, Minister of Works and Transport and a member of both the Political Bureau and Central Committee, has also been circulating since last year. Nekundi is widely viewed as one of the better-performing ministers in the current government. Nevertheless, his political standing is seen as unstable by some, with critics accusing him of distancing himself from long-time allies potentially limiting his ability to mobilise broad support despite his popularity within party ranks.
SWAPO is expected to hold its 7th Elective Congress in 2027, where all top leadership positions, including that of party president, will be contested setting the stage for one of the most consequential internal political battles in the party’s history.-Namibia Daily News
