Venaani fires parting shots at Muharukua
PDM leader says protégé was impatient
Muharukua's resignation has rocked the official opposition ahead of the crucial 2024 election.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani has washed his hands of claims that he and his camp have bullied his party presidency rival Vipuakuje Muharukua into quitting the party.
Venaani said Muharukua was no threat to him and therefore he had no reason to intimidate the youthful lawmaker from Kunene Region.
“He [Muharukua] could grasp the fact that people do not want him because he does not have the pedigree to lead the party now. I have not pushed or bullied Muharukua in any way,” he told Namibian Sun.
“He started this thing by insulting me and making disparaging remarks against my persona. I have no problem when people are critical of my leadership, but insults I will never tolerate.”
Venaani also accused Muharukua of failing to attend important party events and meetings without providing valid reasons.
He said he believes Muharukua was not patient enough and that he wanted power handed to him on a silver platter without working for it.
“In 2004, I contested against Kaura and I lost. I did not quit the party. I regrouped and challenged him in 2013 again and I won. I told Muharukua he stands a good chance to succeed me because I trained him to become the leader he is – if we give him the party now, it will die,” he said.
Venaani was also perplexed by Muharukua’s claims that PDM is not the best alternative to the ruling party.
“When did he realise that? Is it only now because he has left the party or what type of party was he then planning to lead?” he asked.
History repeats itself
The current situation in PDM is reminiscent of how Venaani himself faced challenges on his way to the top.
Katuutire Kaura, the then long-serving leader of the DTA (before the party was renamed PDM), clung to power despite calls for his resignation, accused of allegedly resorting to bullying opponents and sidelining dissenters within the party.
As the party geared up for its pivotal 2013 congress, delayed by Kaura's insistence that it was not a priority, tensions mounted. Many perceived this delay as a strategic move to deter challengers.
Having led the party for 15 years at the time, succeeding the exiled Mishake Muyongo, Kaura faced criticism that the party was losing its appeal to the masses.
A new challenger emerges
Amidst this turmoil, Venaani, then the party's secretary general, emerged as a challenger to Kaura's leadership. Despite being considered a political novice at 36, Venaani boldly contested his mentor.
The party, with only two seats in the National Assembly, witnessed a power shift. Kaura, with failing health, entrusted Venaani with significant responsibilities and representation at international events.
However, Kaura's attempts to undermine Venaani backfired at the 2013 congress, where the latter secured 148 votes against Kaura's 96.
Today, Venaani faced a similar challenge from Muharukua, whom he once brought into mainstream politics. As Muharukua eyed the party presidency, tensions escalated between the two men.
Muharukua's recent resignation from parliament and the party stunned observers, sparking fears of a collapse in the party's stronghold in Kunene.
The party's dominance in Kunene, crucial for electoral success, now hangs in the balance. The departure of Muharukua, a prominent figure in the region, may lead to voter discontent in the region.
Impact and uncertainty
Analysts warn of a potential fallout from Muharukua's departure, highlighting parallels with past power struggles within the party.
“It [Muharukua’s departure] is a concerning factor, especially because we are few months ahead of the elections. The party must deal with this resignation in a proper manner to ensure that Muharukua is not followed by a large support base,” political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah warned.
Political scientist Rui Tyitende said the internal strife reflects broader challenges within opposition parties, where personal conflicts overshadow collective goals.
“For now, only time will tell whether Muharukua will de-campaign PDM or if he will join another party,” he said.
Venaani said Muharukua was no threat to him and therefore he had no reason to intimidate the youthful lawmaker from Kunene Region.
“He [Muharukua] could grasp the fact that people do not want him because he does not have the pedigree to lead the party now. I have not pushed or bullied Muharukua in any way,” he told Namibian Sun.
“He started this thing by insulting me and making disparaging remarks against my persona. I have no problem when people are critical of my leadership, but insults I will never tolerate.”
Venaani also accused Muharukua of failing to attend important party events and meetings without providing valid reasons.
He said he believes Muharukua was not patient enough and that he wanted power handed to him on a silver platter without working for it.
“In 2004, I contested against Kaura and I lost. I did not quit the party. I regrouped and challenged him in 2013 again and I won. I told Muharukua he stands a good chance to succeed me because I trained him to become the leader he is – if we give him the party now, it will die,” he said.
Venaani was also perplexed by Muharukua’s claims that PDM is not the best alternative to the ruling party.
“When did he realise that? Is it only now because he has left the party or what type of party was he then planning to lead?” he asked.
History repeats itself
The current situation in PDM is reminiscent of how Venaani himself faced challenges on his way to the top.
Katuutire Kaura, the then long-serving leader of the DTA (before the party was renamed PDM), clung to power despite calls for his resignation, accused of allegedly resorting to bullying opponents and sidelining dissenters within the party.
As the party geared up for its pivotal 2013 congress, delayed by Kaura's insistence that it was not a priority, tensions mounted. Many perceived this delay as a strategic move to deter challengers.
Having led the party for 15 years at the time, succeeding the exiled Mishake Muyongo, Kaura faced criticism that the party was losing its appeal to the masses.
A new challenger emerges
Amidst this turmoil, Venaani, then the party's secretary general, emerged as a challenger to Kaura's leadership. Despite being considered a political novice at 36, Venaani boldly contested his mentor.
The party, with only two seats in the National Assembly, witnessed a power shift. Kaura, with failing health, entrusted Venaani with significant responsibilities and representation at international events.
However, Kaura's attempts to undermine Venaani backfired at the 2013 congress, where the latter secured 148 votes against Kaura's 96.
Today, Venaani faced a similar challenge from Muharukua, whom he once brought into mainstream politics. As Muharukua eyed the party presidency, tensions escalated between the two men.
Muharukua's recent resignation from parliament and the party stunned observers, sparking fears of a collapse in the party's stronghold in Kunene.
The party's dominance in Kunene, crucial for electoral success, now hangs in the balance. The departure of Muharukua, a prominent figure in the region, may lead to voter discontent in the region.
Impact and uncertainty
Analysts warn of a potential fallout from Muharukua's departure, highlighting parallels with past power struggles within the party.
“It [Muharukua’s departure] is a concerning factor, especially because we are few months ahead of the elections. The party must deal with this resignation in a proper manner to ensure that Muharukua is not followed by a large support base,” political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah warned.
Political scientist Rui Tyitende said the internal strife reflects broader challenges within opposition parties, where personal conflicts overshadow collective goals.
“For now, only time will tell whether Muharukua will de-campaign PDM or if he will join another party,” he said.
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