Michael Amushelelo to Start from Branch Level: LPM

• BY Allexer Namundjembo

The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) have said that Michael Amushelelo will have to start from the branch level, just like any other member who is joining the party. This declaration follows Amushelelo’s announcement at a press conference on Thursday that he was joining LPM after resigning from the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF). 

NEFF was deregistered by the Electoral Commission of Namibia last month for failing to submit audited financial reports. Amushelelo, who joined NEFF from the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement in 2022, swiftly announced his resignation from NEFF. 

However, LPM stated that they were unaware of Amushelelo’s decision to join their ranks. Amushelelo admitted that he had not yet spoken with LPM but planned to visit their offices to obtain the party’s constitution and officially join. “I will visit the LPM officially to obtain my membership card and to officially meet with the leadership of the party” Amushelelo said.

Amushelelo cited LPM’s radicalism as his reason for choosing the party. However, LPM student command leader Duminga Ndala expressed surprise at Amushelelo’s announcement, stating that there had been no prior discussions between him and the party. 

Ndala, speaking to Confidente from home where she was unwell, emphasized that LPM does not hand out positions to new members. “He will have to start from the branch level. LPM is not in the business of giving people positions,” Ndala asserted.

Prior to announcing his decision to join LPM, Amushelelo had met with Congress of Democrats (CoD) leader Ben Ulenga. This meeting led to speculation that Amushelelo might revive the nearly defunct CoD, making his move to LPM unexpected for many. If Amushelelo officially joins LPM, it will mark his fourth political affiliation in as many years. His political journey began with the formation of the Power Party alongside Evilastus Kaaronda, which failed to gain traction. 

He then moved to AR with Job Amupanda, followed by his stint with NEFF. Throughout his career, Amushelelo has gained attention as a people’s general, organizing demonstrations and challenging companies over workers’ rights and fair pay. As Amushelelo embarks on this new chapter with LPM, it remains to be seen how his involvement will shape both his political future and the dynamics within the party.