Shinduvi suspension: No quorum, no suspension, Shaningwa warns
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa has cautioned the Kavango East Regional Executive Committee (REC) that any legally binding decision, including the suspension of Swapo regional coordinator Ottilie Shinduvi, requires a quorum, a simple majority, as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
The Kavango East REC recently suspended Shinduvi over allegations of financial mismanagement and violations of party principles.
The suspension follows an extensive investigation conducted by a special committee chaired by former Namibian ambassador to Austria, Simon Maruta.
The probe allegedly uncovered serious irregularities, including nepotism, tribalism and the misappropriation of party funds. A report dated July 2022 detailed these infractions, stating that Shinduvi’s actions had caused "irreparable harm and great reputational damage" to Swapo.
A key factor in Shinduvi’s suspension was her failure to present financial reports for 2022 to 2024, a constitutional requirement. This omission not only raised concerns over fiscal responsibility and transparency within the party but also embarrassed the REC, according to the report.
In response, the REC resolved to suspend Shinduvi with immediate effect under Article 40(8) of the Swapo Party Constitution. Additionally, the committee decided to suspend individuals she allegedly appointed to key positions.
Simple majority absent
However, in a letter issued on Monday and addressed to the committee, Shaningwa pointed out that the suspension notice forwarded to her office contained only 11 signatures out of 25 REC members, falling short of the required simple majority of 13 members, inclusive of all wings and affiliates.
"Therefore, the decision to suspend the regional coordinator and the regional mobilisation and information officer can only be implemented if a quorum, as prescribed by the constitution, is reached," Shaningwa instructed.
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The Kavango East REC recently suspended Shinduvi over allegations of financial mismanagement and violations of party principles.
The suspension follows an extensive investigation conducted by a special committee chaired by former Namibian ambassador to Austria, Simon Maruta.
The probe allegedly uncovered serious irregularities, including nepotism, tribalism and the misappropriation of party funds. A report dated July 2022 detailed these infractions, stating that Shinduvi’s actions had caused "irreparable harm and great reputational damage" to Swapo.
A key factor in Shinduvi’s suspension was her failure to present financial reports for 2022 to 2024, a constitutional requirement. This omission not only raised concerns over fiscal responsibility and transparency within the party but also embarrassed the REC, according to the report.
In response, the REC resolved to suspend Shinduvi with immediate effect under Article 40(8) of the Swapo Party Constitution. Additionally, the committee decided to suspend individuals she allegedly appointed to key positions.
Simple majority absent
However, in a letter issued on Monday and addressed to the committee, Shaningwa pointed out that the suspension notice forwarded to her office contained only 11 signatures out of 25 REC members, falling short of the required simple majority of 13 members, inclusive of all wings and affiliates.
"Therefore, the decision to suspend the regional coordinator and the regional mobilisation and information officer can only be implemented if a quorum, as prescribed by the constitution, is reached," Shaningwa instructed.
[email protected]
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