New blood in Swapo politburo

The Swapo Central Committee on Saturday elected new members to the politburo of the ruling party. The new members include newly-elected Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa, who is an automatic choice by virtue of her position, but did not serve in the last structure. The new additions include environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, economic planning deputy minister Lucia Ipumbu, businessman Tobie Aupindi and deputy veterans minister Hilma Nikanor. Cabinet ministers Bernardt Esau, Doreen Sioka and Calle Schlettwein also made the cut. The central committee also voted deputy gender minister Lucia Witbooi, Kavango West governor Sirrka Ausiku as well as Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi and National Council Chairperson Margaret Mensah-Williams to the politburo. Long-serving cabinet ministers Alpheus !Naruseb, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, John Mutorwa and Albert Kawana were also retained on the Swapo politburo. Former Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba, education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa and Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua will also continue as politburo members. President Hage Geingob is expected to appoint two central committee members to the politburo as provided for in the ruling party's constitution. Former Swapo presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba are permanent members of the structure, which among others is responsible for policy formulation in the period between central committee meetings. Geingob appoints CC membersMeanwhile, earlier in the day Geingob named his six appointments to the Swapo central committee. The presidential appointees included Schlettwein, labour minister Erkki Nghimtina and his defence counterpart Penda Ya Ndakolo as well as deputy minister Christina Hoebes. Collien van Wyk and Jennelly Matundu from Kunene Region were also appointed to the central committee. Matundu, who is 35 years old, is the youngest member of the current central committee. “I am happy that I made it and it is something big for me,” Matundu told Namibian Sun on Saturday. “I am a hardworking person who is always committed to party activities and a comrade who is always there for the party.” Matundu has been Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) district secretary for Opuwo Urban since 2012. She is currently employed as chief liaison officer for the ministry of gender in Kunene.

New blood in Swapo politburo

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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New blood in Swapo politburo

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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