Swapo hunts for 'Judas' MP behind Mootu vote

Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary and member of parliament (MP) Ephraim Nekongo has slammed the party member who allegedly voted in favour of the Landless People's Movement's (LPM) Utaara Mootu, describing the act as a betrayal of the electorate who queued in large numbers to vote for Swapo in the last general election.

This follows the surprise election of Mootu as deputy chairperson of the influential standing committee on international relations, defence and security on Tuesday. Mootu edged out Swapo's candidate, 22-year-old Fenny Tutjavi – parliament’s youngest MP – despite Swapo holding a numerical advantage on the committee.

Swapo holds 13 seats on the 24-member committee, while the opposition has 11. One Swapo MP, Uahekua Herunga, was absent on the day of the vote, leaving 12 Swapo members present. However, Mootu won by 12 votes to 11, indicating a likely defection from within Swapo's ranks.

James Uerikua had earlier been elected as chairperson of the committee, and Swapo MPs were confident that Tutjavi would secure the deputy role without difficulty.

Speaking on NTV’s The Agenda on Sunday, Nekongo – who also serves on the committee – said the incident was "unforgivable".

“Whoever did it should consider resigning. They have betrayed the people who waited in long queues to vote for Swapo and place their trust in the party,” Nekongo said. “It’s unfortunate. We need to remain focused and committed, especially now that our numbers are limited.”

According to party insiders, Swapo is actively working to identify the defector. “We have a strong idea of who it is, and we’re working to confirm. This absolute sellout will be exposed,” a committee member told Namibian Sun.



Maturing democracy

Meanwhile, Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) executive director Graham Hopwood welcomed the development as a sign of democratic maturity.

“Standing committees function best when they work collaboratively and independently, prioritising public interest and evidence-based oversight over party allegiance,” Hopwood said. “Having opposition MPs in leadership roles shows political evolution. I see no issue with Utaara Mootu becoming deputy chairperson.”

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah suggested the result reflects internal discontent within Swapo.

“If a member broke ranks, it indicates growing dissatisfaction or ideological rifts within the party. It also raises questions about Swapo’s actual influence in the National Assembly,” he said.

“Politically, it’s a breach of party discipline. Ethically, it depends – if the member acted on conscience, that’s one thing. But in party politics, loyalty is often non-negotiable.”

The fallout comes just months after the general elections in which Swapo secured 51 seats to the opposition's 45. However, the party's parliamentary dominance is weakened by the fact that both the speaker and deputy speaker – Swapo members – are ineligible to vote, leaving the party with 49 voting MPs.

Swapo's standing in committee affairs is further constrained, as ministers and deputy ministers are barred from serving on standing committees. Analysts believe President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah anticipated this scenario, which may explain why only seven deputy ministers were appointed – leaving seven ministries without deputies.

Academic Joshua Mario defended the dissenting MP, saying they acted within their rights.

“They did nothing wrong. MPs are elected representatives, and in parliament, the playing field is level. Every member, regardless of party, holds equal legitimacy,” he said.



Standing committee appointments

National Assembly spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa confirmed that 11 standing committees are currently operational. Ministers, deputy ministers, the speaker and the deputy speaker may not serve on these bodies.

With the exception of the budget and finance committee, which comprises nine members, all standing committees consist of 24 MPs.

This week’s committee leadership elections yielded several appointments across parliament's standing committees.

Modestus Amutse has been appointed as chairperson of the constitutional and legal affairs and petitions committee, with Sirkka Ausiku serving as his deputy. Overseeing the economic and industry, public administration and planning committee is Ipumbu Shiimi, who will be assisted by Hilma Iita as deputy chairperson.

The natural resources committee will be led by Tobie Aupindi, with Tuuliki Abraham taking on the role of deputy. Meanwhile, Elifas Dingara has been named chairperson of the urban, rural development and land reform committee, alongside Clemencia Coetzee as deputy.

In the education, civil relations and community development committee, Marlayn Mbakera has been elected chair, with Austin Samupwa as her deputy. The poverty, education, labour and industrial relations committee will be chaired by Justina Jonas, supported by Salomon April.

The gender equality, health and social welfare committee will be headed by Nono Katjingisiua, with Ephraim Nekongo serving as deputy chair. The information and communication technology committee will be led by Sebastian Karupu, with Fenni Nanyeni in the deputy role.

Lastly, the public accounts committee will be chaired by Hendrik Gaobaeb, with Martha Itope appointed as deputy chairperson.