Swapo Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has clarified that all members of the newly appointed Cabinet are party cadres. She says the appointments are aimed at fulfilling the Swapo Party's election manifesto.

Her comments come in response to criticism suggesting that some appointees are not members of the party.

“This is the 8th administration under the leadership of the Swapo Party,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said during a recent media briefing. “I believe many of you were mature enough in 1990 when Namibia got independence. Are you saying that all those who were in the 1st administration were all Swapo members? Why does it become an issue now?”

She added: “It is an insinuation to divide the Party and the people. The 7th administration—are we saying everyone was from the Swapo Party? No.”

Addressing claims directly, she challenged critics to provide proof.

“Tell me, who in this administration is not a Swapo member? Let them come out. Are you talking about being from the Swapo Party or being members of the Central Committee or Politburo? Those are two different things.”

She emphasised that party deployment is not limited to top structures.

“Does it mean that when you are not in the main leadership, you cannot be deployed by the Party?” she asked.

Nandi-Ndaitwah concluded by stating that the criticism is divisive but will not derail the work of the current administration.

“It is dividing and not helping this administration function, but it will function.”