The Independent Patriots for Change's leadership in the Erongo Region has challenged other presidential candidates who will contest the 2024 elections to lead by example and go without receiving a salary.

The regional chairperson revealed that its leader, Dr Panduleni Itula, has promised that he would refuse to receive a salary if elected President.

At a media briefing, the party's executive leadership in the Erongo Region urged Namibians to vote for its presidential candidate, Dr Itula.

"We are confident that the Chief Patriot's clarion call to become president of the Republic of Namibia without salary is a clear determination upon the Namibian people. We are faced with an economic threat where the cost of living has escalated, yet we need to consider a leader such as Dr Panduleni Filemon Bango Itula."

Without revealing how long Dr Itula will go without salary if elected as President, Kangulu says the IPC leader will divert his salary to the development of infrastructure such as hospitals, and schools, and further improve social services like social and veteran grants.

"Why do you want to opt for a fat salary? This question goes out to all the presidential candidates. Why do you want to opt for that fat salary? On top of all the privileges you already get. Then if you are ready to serve the Namibian people purely to occupy that highest office in the line of the Zambian president, his excellency Hakainde Hichilema, and the current Lesotho prime minister, Sam Matekane. Those who are truly serving their people to the highest office, without any salary," said Aloysius Kangulu, the Erongo Regional Chairperson for the IPC.

Kangulu says poverty in Namibia will only be conquered through collective efforts, and Namibians need to re-dedicate themselves to a genuine transformation of the economy.

The regional executive leadership further announced that IPC has opened 38 branches and seven executive and regional executive committees, which is a first in the party's history.