Swapo’s Zambezi coordinator defies suspension

Swapo’s coordinator for the Zambezi region, Moffat Sileze, says he should not have withdrawn money from the branch to repair his vehicle without the knowledge and consent of the region’s treasurer.

This comes after Swapo’s regional executive committee members held a press conference last Monday to announce the suspension of Sileze, pending an investigation into an amount of about N$47 000 that went missing last November.

The party’s regional mobilisation and information officer, Dorothy Kabula, said Sileze’s suspension came into effect on 27 January.

“The purpose of the suspension is to allow an investigation to take place. Comrade Sileze remains innocent until proven guilty by the authorised and established organs legally allowed to deal with misconduct cases.

“A letter pertaining to the details of the suspension was already given to comrade Sileze by the regional executive committee members in terms of Swapo’s constitution, article 39(4),” she said.

However, Sileze held a conference on Friday during which he revealed that he used N$39 000 to repair a work vehicle at a private workshop.

“Forgive and pardon me for the error I committed by withdrawing the funds without the knowledge and consent of the regional treasurer.

“However, the matter of withdrawing the money without consent was resolved in a meeting held on 14 December 2023 by the regional executive committee after I apologised and provided receipts.

“Despite the matter being resolved, Kabula and her cronies decided to call for a follow-up meeting, which I declined to attend because it was unauthorised by me as regional coordinator.

“Nonetheless, they continued and held a meeting in which they decided to suspend me. I reject this illegal suspension and will not sign for it. I will not allow shortcuts to be brought by people who are desperate for positions by overriding due process.

“I will remain the regional coordinator until my tenure finishes,” he said.

Sileze then called for unity among party members, especially considering that it is an election year.