Some Swapo Party members in Kapako in the Kavango West Region are accusing the leadership of discrimination and intimidation.
The SPYL District Secretary for Kapako says, even though Valentinus Munkara was elected as the district coordinator last year, the Secretary General's office recognises Maurus Nekaro instead. A decision that they reject.
During a media briefing at Kapako over the weekend, SPYL District Secretary of Kapako, Stefanus Kudumo, said the party leadership is undermining the democratic rights of its members.
"The office recognises Nekaro, who was not elected. The just-ended training, which took place in Windhoek on April 24, 2024, is a clear indication that the SG's office uses ignorance and delaying tactics to sideline our legitimate district coordinator. Another example is the SG's letter dated April 24, 2024, in which Comrade Nekaro was copied as Kapako district coordinator. This is a deliberate and calculated move to undermine our democratic rights."
Kudumo is calling on the SG's office and the chairperson of the leaders assigned to Kavango West to respect their members' decisions.
He appealed to the office of the SG to be fair and transparent and avoid forcing the people to accept a leader that they do not want.
"This is not the right time to frustrate the voters. Be fair and honest when solving issues. Back-biting or stabbing, or a lack of consideration for others, will cause a serious detrimental outcome in the November 2024 national elections. We therefore demand that the elected district leadership be acknowledged before or on April 29, 2024."
The Party Secretary General led a delegation to Kavango West on Monday to look into various issues affecting both Kapako and Mpungu.
Calls and messages to the Swapo Party Secretary General, Sophia Shaningwa, about the outcome of the meeting went unanswered.
When contacted for comment, Marius Nekaro said the matter is with the SG's office.
Kotokeni Willem, a delegate at the Kapako District Conference, attended the meeting and told nbc News that the SG's team sided with Maurus but said they would send an independent team to investigate the issue again.