The Swapo Party on Friday marked 64 years of existence since its foundation on April 19, 1960, with its eyes trained on the upcoming national elections.

In a message to party members, Swapo Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.

“Unity in diversity is a cornerstone for the Swapo Party through which sustainable development can be realised. Therefore, let us remain united to achieve a resounding victory in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly Elections, enabling us to continue with our national development agenda uninterrupted,” she said.

“I, therefore, call upon Swapo Party members, supporters, and sympathisers to remain in contact with our people to explain to them why they should continue to trust their hopes and future in the Swapo Party. In fact, with the Electoral Commission of Namibia having launched the election calendar, the campaign has started, and we must all be hard at work,” she continued.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will stand as Swapo’s presidential candidate, stressed that the party has its roots in the common struggle of the Namibian people.

From the onset, the founders of Swapo began pushing for Namibia's immediate independence from South Africa’s colonial administration, which culminated in Namibia’s independence in 1990.

And with the recent discoveries of oil and gas, she said the ruling party is committed to ensuring the sustainable utilisation of the country’s natural resources.

“Just as we won the struggle for political freedom, the Swapo Party shall win the struggle for economic independence. With the new industries emerging, such as oil and gas and green hydrogen, reinforcing the traditional industries in our country, we have all the tools to look after our nation and to make Namibia the best place for all her people,” she said.

Swapo’s birthday coincided with the death of national heroine Ida Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros, who passed away on April 3, 2024, will be buried on Saturday in the Bethanie district near Keetmanshoop in the ||Kharas Region. As a result, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the official celebration will now be held in Mariental at a later date.