Musician Shitana nominated to AR parliamentary list
Namibian artist, activist and now politician, Lieutenant Shitana, born Fredrick Shitana, has officially been nominated for the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) parliamentary list by AR leader Job Amupanda.
Ranked at number eight on the AR list, Shitana engaged Namibian Sun to discuss his political ambitions, the importance of his potential role in parliament and the changes he hopes to make if elected.
Shitana, who has long been involved in activism, said his entry into politics marks a natural progression. “I have always supported causes and movements, such as #FeesMustFall and others initiated by young people to combat corruption and government injustices,” he said, adding that his support for youth-driven movements has laid the foundation for his political journey.
When asked why he chose AR over other political parties, Shitana was clear: “AR is the only party led by young people with no history of theft, self-enrichment, or tribal favoritism. It is the party that holds the future of this country,” he said.
'Meaningless debates'
Shitana emphasised the importance of parliament as a platform to address crucial issues affecting Namibians.
“Many politicians enter parliament without the intent to improve the country; they engage in meaningless debates rather than reforming policies that affect people’s livelihoods,” he said. He said his goal is to break this cycle of inefficiency and bring real change to the nation.
If elected, Shitana plans to focus on accountability and transparency, promising to provide status reports every four months on his efforts to improve the country. “Even if I must go to parliament without being paid, I will gladly do so because it’s the vehicle that drives change,” he said.
Beyond his political ambitions, Shitana launched his music career in 2006 and has produced 10 studio albums to date, with an eleventh in the works.
He recalled working as a security guard to self-fund his albums, highlighting the struggles he endured to make his mark in the industry. “Having a background as a musician, I also seek to bring to the fore issues that affect musicians and other creatives as discussions that need attention in parliament,” he said.
Ranked at number eight on the AR list, Shitana engaged Namibian Sun to discuss his political ambitions, the importance of his potential role in parliament and the changes he hopes to make if elected.
Shitana, who has long been involved in activism, said his entry into politics marks a natural progression. “I have always supported causes and movements, such as #FeesMustFall and others initiated by young people to combat corruption and government injustices,” he said, adding that his support for youth-driven movements has laid the foundation for his political journey.
When asked why he chose AR over other political parties, Shitana was clear: “AR is the only party led by young people with no history of theft, self-enrichment, or tribal favoritism. It is the party that holds the future of this country,” he said.
'Meaningless debates'
Shitana emphasised the importance of parliament as a platform to address crucial issues affecting Namibians.
“Many politicians enter parliament without the intent to improve the country; they engage in meaningless debates rather than reforming policies that affect people’s livelihoods,” he said. He said his goal is to break this cycle of inefficiency and bring real change to the nation.
If elected, Shitana plans to focus on accountability and transparency, promising to provide status reports every four months on his efforts to improve the country. “Even if I must go to parliament without being paid, I will gladly do so because it’s the vehicle that drives change,” he said.
Beyond his political ambitions, Shitana launched his music career in 2006 and has produced 10 studio albums to date, with an eleventh in the works.
He recalled working as a security guard to self-fund his albums, highlighting the struggles he endured to make his mark in the industry. “Having a background as a musician, I also seek to bring to the fore issues that affect musicians and other creatives as discussions that need attention in parliament,” he said.
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