EDITORIAL: Merit over sloganeering
For too long, Swapo’s definition of ‘leadership potential’ has been measured not by skill or vision, but by the volume of one’s liberation songs and the height of the party flag fluttering atop their Toyota Land Cruiser. That, perhaps, is why incoming head of state Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call on Saturday for merit-based candidate selection is both refreshing and necessary.
She emphasised that those vying for positions in the upcoming regional and local elections must be capable, committed, and in tune with the needs of the people. But that’s not enough.
The real test lies in action. Historically, Swapo has not been a champion of meritocracy. The criteria for leadership remain embarrassingly lax. One need only be a member in “good standing”, which conveniently means keeping party dues paid, and have spent some time in its structures. There is no academic threshold, no skill assessment, no requirement to demonstrate an ability to govern effectively.
This means, in theory, that a Grade 10 dropout can become the mayor of Windhoek - tasked with overseeing billion-dollar budgets, approving urban development plans, and making policy decisions that affect hundreds of thousands of people. Leadership is not just about waving party banners. It requires intellect, foresight, and an ability to navigate complex governance issues. A leader who struggles to read and interpret a city’s financials cannot be expected to lead it into prosperity.
After 35 years of independence, Namibia must evolve beyond party loyalty as the primary qualification for public office. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s words are a start. But unless Swapo enforces higher standards - ones that put competence before comradeship - her call for meritocracy will remain just another well-intended speech, lost in the wind of political convenience.
She emphasised that those vying for positions in the upcoming regional and local elections must be capable, committed, and in tune with the needs of the people. But that’s not enough.
The real test lies in action. Historically, Swapo has not been a champion of meritocracy. The criteria for leadership remain embarrassingly lax. One need only be a member in “good standing”, which conveniently means keeping party dues paid, and have spent some time in its structures. There is no academic threshold, no skill assessment, no requirement to demonstrate an ability to govern effectively.
This means, in theory, that a Grade 10 dropout can become the mayor of Windhoek - tasked with overseeing billion-dollar budgets, approving urban development plans, and making policy decisions that affect hundreds of thousands of people. Leadership is not just about waving party banners. It requires intellect, foresight, and an ability to navigate complex governance issues. A leader who struggles to read and interpret a city’s financials cannot be expected to lead it into prosperity.
After 35 years of independence, Namibia must evolve beyond party loyalty as the primary qualification for public office. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s words are a start. But unless Swapo enforces higher standards - ones that put competence before comradeship - her call for meritocracy will remain just another well-intended speech, lost in the wind of political convenience.
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