New governor McNab’s credibility questioned after leaked audio
Concerns have emerged over the ability of newly appointed Hardap governor Riaan Charles McNab to unite the region following the circulation of an audio recording in which he is heard advocating for the exclusion of certain Swapo leaders.
McNab, who was appointed as governor by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday, replacing Salomon April, did not deny the authenticity of the recording. The audio captures a conversation between him and a regional delegate ahead of the Swapo extraordinary congress held earlier this month, where Nandi-Ndaitwah was endorsed as party president.
In the recording, McNab is heard discouraging the election of Paula Kooper, Manfred Draghoender, and others as delegates, claiming they were “compromised.”
“If we elect Kooper and Draghoender to attend the congress, we will have a problem. These people are compromised. We cannot afford to send them as delegates this afternoon. It is better not to vote for them,” he states.
He further explains that the Hardap Region had two political factions, with one supporting Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Pohamba Shifeta, while the other backed Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“If this congress does not send the right delegates who support Meme Netumbo to become party president, then we are making a mistake,” he adds.
A source familiar with the matter told Namibian Sun that McNab’s remarks expose political divisions within the region.
“You can clearly hear in the audio who he labels as Saara and Shifeta’s supporters, and according to him, they should not be allowed to participate,” the source said.
Accusations of political favouritism
McNab is also heard expressing concern that certain individuals had shifted their allegiances.
“That group was the one we stood against when we first started with the congress. Last year, we elected her (Nandi-Ndaitwah) as vice-president of the party. After that, we elected her as the president of Namibia. Now, this extraordinary congress must stand by her and ensure she becomes party president,” he says.
He urges the delegate to influence the selection of a certain Meme Mara as a candidate and warns against Draghoender, whom he accuses of aligning with ex-governor Salomon April in a bid for power.
“These people are now pushing for Draghoender to become the new governor of Hardap. The current governor [April], who is on his way out, has told Manfred, ‘If you support me, I will support you to become the new governor.’ It is all about securing positions,” he states.
McNab insists that only loyal party members should be selected.
“We are compromising the party and Meme Netumbo, all for self-interest. That cannot happen this afternoon. Please, my dear sister, use your influence. You are a strong leader, and you know the party comes first. This is not about positions or personal gain - it is about the future of the party,” he urges.
McNab responds to criticism
When approached for comment, McNab assured Hardap residents of his commitment to unity.
“They can have peace because God shall lead me all the way. Unfortunately, one person must lead, and God does not choose the qualified but qualifies the chosen,” he stated.
He extended an open-door policy, inviting residents to engage with him.
“I sincerely welcome them with an open-door policy to know me better. May the good Lord bless them in abundance with love, peace, and unity for balanced, shared prosperity,” he told Namibian Sun on Saturday.
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PHOTO CAPTION:
• UNDER SCRUTINY: The newly appointed Hardap Governor Riaan Charles McNab. Photo: NAMPA
McNab, who was appointed as governor by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday, replacing Salomon April, did not deny the authenticity of the recording. The audio captures a conversation between him and a regional delegate ahead of the Swapo extraordinary congress held earlier this month, where Nandi-Ndaitwah was endorsed as party president.
In the recording, McNab is heard discouraging the election of Paula Kooper, Manfred Draghoender, and others as delegates, claiming they were “compromised.”
“If we elect Kooper and Draghoender to attend the congress, we will have a problem. These people are compromised. We cannot afford to send them as delegates this afternoon. It is better not to vote for them,” he states.
He further explains that the Hardap Region had two political factions, with one supporting Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Pohamba Shifeta, while the other backed Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“If this congress does not send the right delegates who support Meme Netumbo to become party president, then we are making a mistake,” he adds.
A source familiar with the matter told Namibian Sun that McNab’s remarks expose political divisions within the region.
“You can clearly hear in the audio who he labels as Saara and Shifeta’s supporters, and according to him, they should not be allowed to participate,” the source said.
Accusations of political favouritism
McNab is also heard expressing concern that certain individuals had shifted their allegiances.
“That group was the one we stood against when we first started with the congress. Last year, we elected her (Nandi-Ndaitwah) as vice-president of the party. After that, we elected her as the president of Namibia. Now, this extraordinary congress must stand by her and ensure she becomes party president,” he says.
He urges the delegate to influence the selection of a certain Meme Mara as a candidate and warns against Draghoender, whom he accuses of aligning with ex-governor Salomon April in a bid for power.
“These people are now pushing for Draghoender to become the new governor of Hardap. The current governor [April], who is on his way out, has told Manfred, ‘If you support me, I will support you to become the new governor.’ It is all about securing positions,” he states.
McNab insists that only loyal party members should be selected.
“We are compromising the party and Meme Netumbo, all for self-interest. That cannot happen this afternoon. Please, my dear sister, use your influence. You are a strong leader, and you know the party comes first. This is not about positions or personal gain - it is about the future of the party,” he urges.
McNab responds to criticism
When approached for comment, McNab assured Hardap residents of his commitment to unity.
“They can have peace because God shall lead me all the way. Unfortunately, one person must lead, and God does not choose the qualified but qualifies the chosen,” he stated.
He extended an open-door policy, inviting residents to engage with him.
“I sincerely welcome them with an open-door policy to know me better. May the good Lord bless them in abundance with love, peace, and unity for balanced, shared prosperity,” he told Namibian Sun on Saturday.
[email protected]
PHOTO CAPTION:
• UNDER SCRUTINY: The newly appointed Hardap Governor Riaan Charles McNab. Photo: NAMPA
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