Ya Nangoloh tips Kapofi, Nandi-Ndaitwah for succesion
By Jeremiah Ndjoze
Human rights activist Phil ya Nangoloh has tipped Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the newly appointed Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Frans Kapofi as Swapo’s best option for its pivotal presidential position, come the party’s next elective congress.
The outspoken activist further fingered long serving Namibian diplomat Tuliameni Kalomoh as the best alternative to the two.
Speaking to Confidente in an exclusive interview this week Ya Nangoloh maintained that Swapo should look at electing an individual who has both wisdom and experience in addition to solid liberation struggle credentials, ‘and there are only a handful of such people in Swapo.’
“People who immediately come to mind are Frans Kapofi and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. These people meet the above credentials and not only that they also have experience in leadership as they have been in government for a long time,” Ya Nangoloh said.
“These three individuals are open-minded, approachable and have proven to have hearts for humanity.”
As an alternative for the two cabinet ministers, Ya Nangoloh cited as an unparalleled alternative, Namibia’s long serving diplomat Kalomoh. Kalomoh is a diplomat who serves as Special Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Kalomoh could not be reached for comment.
Last week, Kapofi told media reports that he harbours no ambitions for the presidential position.
“I don’t have the ambition.
I don’t intend to raise such ambitions, and I am satisfied with what I am doing. The honour that I have been given since the country’s independence is more than enough for me,” he said.
Kapofi is one of Namibia’s most versatile politicians having served on numerous ministerial portfolios since 1999.
He is a military officer by training.
On her part, Nandi-Ndaitwah is Swapo’s first ever female vice president.
She also served in numerous ministerial positions before taking up that of Deputy Prime Minister in 2015.
She has long been tipped as a likely successor for Geingob.
On the element of youth being propelled into leadership positions the controversial activist further advised that the party finds people who are capable handling the pressures and requirements that comes with being in leadership and not necessarily because they are young.
“I am talking about people who have experience and wisdom. Being young should not be a requirement whatsoever,” Ya Nangoloh said adding that maintaining the peace and stability in the country should be preserved at all costs and as such Swapo requires “proper leadership because Swapo is under threat both internally and externally.
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