The Minister of Education Nangolo Mbumba (l) and the Governor of the Erongo Region Samuel Nuuyoma (r) at the SWAPO Party Rally held in Swakopmund on Sunday. The Minister is also the deputy secretary-general of SWAPO.
SWAKOPMUND. – Minister of Education and deputy secretarygeneral of SWAPO, Nangolo Mbumba, says students, professionals and workers must all realise that they have a place in SWAPO.
Mbumba addressed a large crowd at a SWAPO rally in Swakopmund on Sunday, saying “SWAPO is a party with history, record and fought heroically to liberate Namibia.
“SWAPO is the party of Nujoma, Pohamba, Hage Geingob and the fallen heroes. We have to talk about our history. We are proud of our history,” he added.
Mbumba said SWAPO is fighting to keep Namibia a democratic country.
“SWAPO has the proper structures. We have the people, and the people are SWAPO,” he noted.
The Minister said anyone who wants to separate SWAPO from its members, must be rejected.
“Democracy is the will of the people. SWAPO has always gotten its mandate from the SWAPO members and the Namibians,” he said.
Mbumba said there is no member of office in the government who has not been chosen by the people.
He said there is also no mercy when competing, adding that SWAPO is not in the habit of being knocked down by anyone.
“To lead a country, you must have solid membership. But now, somebody started a little party yesterday and have been telling people that they will win.
“As long as we are SWAPO, we will manage the affairs of Namibia,” he added.
Anyone who has the spirit of a coward or the spirit of fear will not be a leader in SWAPO, he said, adding that children in Namibia must be trained as they may be the builders of this country, may discover mines or address sanitation issues and provide water for all Namibians.
But, they need to be trained first. “Untrained children create problems in the future,” Mbumba added.
He also stressed the importance of the unity of all Namibians saying “we must be careful because our white, Coloured and Baster compatriots want to join in big numbers. Welcome them with open arms.”
“Don’t be scared that they will take over your responsibilities. There should be no discrimination. But, they must be trusted members,” he added.
Mbumba then encouraged people to build on their houses.
“As a free people, we cannot continue to behave the way we behave. We must not be satisfied with our accommodation.
“If we as men spend our money on beers and drinks while we don’t even have proper accommodation, then rather add to your house.
“This situation where we have a grandmother, grandfather, mother, father and children living in one room is no longer acceptable in a free Namibia,” he charged.
The Minister also stressed the importance of managing resources in the Erongo region.
“Swakopmund has the best infrastructure for tourists. It cannot be run by people who disagree with those in government,” he said.
He also said that mines opening up in the Erongo region have the responsibility to provide jobs to the people of Namibia, as well as training.
“Farming cannot just be allowed for Afrikaners and Germans, but the Bantu and the San too,” Mbumba said. SWAPO is currently campaigning all over the country ahead of Presidential and National Assembly elections taking place on 27-28 November this year.
