Allexer Namundjembo
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has distanced itself from Chief Justus ǁGaroëb endorsement.
Chief ǁGaroëb who is the founder of the UDF, made an announcement at the 47th annual Damara Festival held at Okombahe settlement over the weekend.
In his speech, ǁGaroëb commended the women of Namibia for maintaining the dignity and pride of their communities.
“When women demonstrate resilience, it’s time they’re given the opportunity to lead. At the late Chief’s funeral, Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah put her campaign on hold to stand by us the entire day. Witnessing her courage, I believe she deserves a chance to lead this nation. I am committed to supporting women’s leadership in my lifetime,” ǁGaroëb said.
The chief highlighted that, while many men have become less active in leadership roles, women are increasingly taking the lead in politics and other sectors.
It is not the first time that ǁGaroëb has endorsed a Swapo candidate.
In 2014, he also urged his subjects and political followers to support the late President Hage Geingob during the 2014 presidential elections.
At that time, it was decided that his subjects should support Geingob due to his Damara heritage.
ǁGaroëb has been Damara chief since 1982.
At that time, UDF leadership also distanced itself from the chief’s decision.
This time around, the party’s spokesperson, Mabasen Narib, echoed the same words.
“We have learnt with great dismay that our founding father of the UDF party has endorsed Nandi-Ndeitwah as his preferred candidate in the upcoming elections. We believe that a traditional leader should remain neutral and not involve themselves in political matters,” Narib said.
Narib added that the UDF has its own presidential candidate and will not endorse anyone else.
“All the ground forces and the rank and file are herewith requested to ensure that our people are well informed. ||Gäroeb spoke in his personal capacity, and his decision to endorse and rally support behind Nandi-Ndaitwah,” Narib said.
Narib also urged UDF supporters to remain vigilant and to continue to mobilise support for its candidate, Hendrick Gaobaeb.
“All UDF supporters must vote for president Goabeb in his bid to become the head of state. He is our presidential candidate, and in the same vein, continue campaigning for the UDF party to increase its representation in the National Assembly,” he said.