San community members from Tsumkwe constituency have spoken out against Swapo party leaders. They say the party ignores them during branch structure selections. The group wants equal chances to hold positions within the party. Activist Matambo Kambila leads the protest efforts. He says San people only matter during voting time.
The protesters marched on Wednesday to show their frustration. They claim regional and district leaders work together to keep power among select families and friends. Only people close to the current councillor, Johannes Hausiku, receive membership cards and executive positions. The group believes this practice goes against Swapo's founding principles. They want the party to return to its roots of fairness and mass participation.
Many San cadres have waited over 34 years for membership cards after applying. Party officials informed them that their applications had been cancelled due to technical problems. Leaders promised to deliver 500 membership cards on December 11, 2024, but have not yet done so. Without cards, San people cannot vote or choose their leadership. This blocks their ability to influence the party's future in the region.
The protesters demand that Traditional Authority acting chief Fransina Ghauz stop all restructuring processes immediately. They want a neutral national team from Windhoek to oversee the revival of branches in the Tsumkwe constituency. The group also demands a 30-day public notice for all internal processes. They want all delayed membership cards distributed before any further activities happen. District coordinator Renate Swartbooi says the cards are ready, but the signing process takes time.
The protesters marched on Wednesday to show their frustration. They claim regional and district leaders work together to keep power among select families and friends. Only people close to the current councillor, Johannes Hausiku, receive membership cards and executive positions. The group believes this practice goes against Swapo's founding principles. They want the party to return to its roots of fairness and mass participation.
Many San cadres have waited over 34 years for membership cards after applying. Party officials informed them that their applications had been cancelled due to technical problems. Leaders promised to deliver 500 membership cards on December 11, 2024, but have not yet done so. Without cards, San people cannot vote or choose their leadership. This blocks their ability to influence the party's future in the region.
The protesters demand that Traditional Authority acting chief Fransina Ghauz stop all restructuring processes immediately. They want a neutral national team from Windhoek to oversee the revival of branches in the Tsumkwe constituency. The group also demands a 30-day public notice for all internal processes. They want all delayed membership cards distributed before any further activities happen. District coordinator Renate Swartbooi says the cards are ready, but the signing process takes time.
