Health concerns surround Swapo VP
Shaningwa blasts detractors
The Swapo SG says 'witches' targeting the party's presidential candidate must cease whatever they are doing immediately.
Swapo vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah faces increasing scrutiny about her health following a health scare at a party rally over the weekend in Otjiwarongo, which allegedly forced her to cut her speech short.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was addressing thousands of Swapo supporters when, reportedly, she suddenly left the podium, causing panic among the crowd.
The incident has sparked widespread speculation about her ability to continue the strenuous election campaign.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has frequently come under fire regarding her capacity to lead the country, particularly in relation to her age. Earlier this year, her campaign team defended her candidacy, saying that talk about her age is misplaced and that she should rather be judged based on her capabilities.
At least three senior party figures confirmed the Saturday incident, which has now set tongues wagging and raised questions about Nandi-Ndaitwah's health.
An insider confirmed yesterday: “She is fine now. We suspect that it might be fatigue, which resulted in her having to leave the stage at the rally. But there is nothing to fear, she will continue going around the country to canvass for support.”
There are also fears that this weekend’s health scare involving Swapo’s presidential candidate could affect the party’s ongoing activities.
Party members who attended the rally claim Nandi-Ndaitwah has shown signs of physical strain, with some advising her campaign team to work on reducing her public appearances.
‘Witches’ blamed
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa also took the podium to address what seemed like a medical emergency, warning detractors to keep their hands off Nandi-Ndaitwah.
A visibly irritated Shaningwa claimed there were some people who had threatened that Nandi-Ndaitwah would get sick in Otjiwarongo, labelling them as "witches".
She also said calls for a presidential debate should cease, saying it would not happen.
“You people said our vice-president will get sick here. I want to tell you, you witches, that you should stop. It must end here in Otjiwarongo. It must stop. Leave her alone. Leave our candidate alone. She was chosen by God. Leave our leader alone,” Shaningwa said to a loud round of applause.
Attempts to reach Shaningwa on Sunday for comment proved futile, as she did not respond to messages or calls.
Large crowds
Saturday’s incident comes days after Namibian Sun reported that a lack of medical services such as ambulances and medical professionals at political gatherings could put people at risk.
Political rallies, especially those coupled with musical shows, can last up to eight hours.
At its rally held in Omuthiya a fortnight ago, a Namibian Sun reporter observed a young woman at the Swapo star rally in Omuthiya faint, fall from her chair and lie on the ground for about 20 minutes before receiving medical attention.
Namibian Sun was reliably informed that around four people fainted at the event, which was attended by an estimated 10 000 people.
#NamibiaDecides2024
Nandi-Ndaitwah was addressing thousands of Swapo supporters when, reportedly, she suddenly left the podium, causing panic among the crowd.
The incident has sparked widespread speculation about her ability to continue the strenuous election campaign.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has frequently come under fire regarding her capacity to lead the country, particularly in relation to her age. Earlier this year, her campaign team defended her candidacy, saying that talk about her age is misplaced and that she should rather be judged based on her capabilities.
At least three senior party figures confirmed the Saturday incident, which has now set tongues wagging and raised questions about Nandi-Ndaitwah's health.
An insider confirmed yesterday: “She is fine now. We suspect that it might be fatigue, which resulted in her having to leave the stage at the rally. But there is nothing to fear, she will continue going around the country to canvass for support.”
There are also fears that this weekend’s health scare involving Swapo’s presidential candidate could affect the party’s ongoing activities.
Party members who attended the rally claim Nandi-Ndaitwah has shown signs of physical strain, with some advising her campaign team to work on reducing her public appearances.
‘Witches’ blamed
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa also took the podium to address what seemed like a medical emergency, warning detractors to keep their hands off Nandi-Ndaitwah.
A visibly irritated Shaningwa claimed there were some people who had threatened that Nandi-Ndaitwah would get sick in Otjiwarongo, labelling them as "witches".
She also said calls for a presidential debate should cease, saying it would not happen.
“You people said our vice-president will get sick here. I want to tell you, you witches, that you should stop. It must end here in Otjiwarongo. It must stop. Leave her alone. Leave our candidate alone. She was chosen by God. Leave our leader alone,” Shaningwa said to a loud round of applause.
Attempts to reach Shaningwa on Sunday for comment proved futile, as she did not respond to messages or calls.
Large crowds
Saturday’s incident comes days after Namibian Sun reported that a lack of medical services such as ambulances and medical professionals at political gatherings could put people at risk.
Political rallies, especially those coupled with musical shows, can last up to eight hours.
At its rally held in Omuthiya a fortnight ago, a Namibian Sun reporter observed a young woman at the Swapo star rally in Omuthiya faint, fall from her chair and lie on the ground for about 20 minutes before receiving medical attention.
Namibian Sun was reliably informed that around four people fainted at the event, which was attended by an estimated 10 000 people.
#NamibiaDecides2024
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