INTERVIEW: Political Analyst Ndumba Kamwanya on Gerrit Witbooi’s Return to SWAPO from the Landless People’s Movement

In recent weeks, political dynamics in Namibia have been stirred by Gerrit Witbooi’s decision to rejoin the SWAPO Party after his tenure with the Landless People’s Movement (LPM). This move has sparked discussions among political analysts, including Ndumba Kamwanya, who offers an insightful perspective on the implications of such political shifts.

Kamwanya emphasizes that the wave of individuals returning to SWAPO signals more than just a change in allegiance; it raises questions about the motivations behind these shifts. Many of those who have returned to SWAPO had previously criticized the party for various failings. Kamwanya poses a critical question: Are these returns a result of genuine improvements within SWAPO, or are they driven by self-interest?

According to Kamwanya, the political landscape in Namibia is often marred by a culture where party loyalty is less about ideological conviction and more about personal gain. He notes that many individuals join political parties not out of a desire to serve the Namibian people, but to advance their own interests. When these interests are threatened, it often leads to a change in allegiance.

“These people that are shifting from one party to another lack principles,” Kamwanya asserts, highlighting the crisis of self-interest prevalent in the political realm. He argues that true leadership is not solely defined by holding a position within a political party. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of “leadership without a title,” where individuals can influence and contribute positively without needing formal recognition.

Kamwanya expresses disappointment in the tendency for politicians to equate party membership with the need for a leadership title. He believes that one can be a “force for good” within a political context by embodying values and engaging with the community, regardless of their official status.

He concludes by stating that the current political movements in Namibia reflect a broader crisis of self-interest, where individuals prioritize personal gain over principled leadership. The return of figures like Gerrit Witbooi to SWAPO serves as a reminder of the complexities of political loyalty and the need for a deeper commitment to the principles that should guide political engagement in the country.

As Namibia navigates these turbulent political waters, the insights of analysts like Ndumba Kamwanya remind us of the importance of principled leadership and the true motivations behind political allegiance.