Some Swapo Party members at Tsumkwe held a demonstration recently to air what they term long-standing grievances over political exclusion, unfulfilled promises, and further claims of exclusion of youth and elders of the area from the party's restructuring process.

The protestors in their petition state that the district and regional coordinator failed to properly consult branch and section leaders about the latest developments concerning the Swapo Party structures.

They also claim that no notice was given to affected branch coordinators on when the mandate renewal processes would begin.

They also say that notice for revivals and renewals were delivered on the same day as these events were happening, excluding many in remote areas or those working outside of Tsumkwe.

Arrangements such as these, the group says, make them feel excluded from Swapo structures and electoral colleges.

They also stated that after applying for Swapo membership thirty-four years ago, they are yet to receive cards.

Those who queried were allegedly told that their applications were nullified or disqualified due to technical issues.

The group reports that five hundred membership cards promised during a meeting with Otjozondjupa Regional leadership on 11 December 2024 are yet to be delivered.

They vow to stop all restructuring processes until every branch and section is revisited with full and fair notification procedures.

They want the Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa to come and oversee the fair revival and renewal of structures of the Tsumkwe constituency.

The petition was handed over to the acting chief of the Ju|hoansi Traditional Authority, Fransina Ghauz

Responding to the group's claims, Swapo District Coordinator Renate Swartbooi says that she received instruction from the Swapo Party Headquaters to start the renewal of mandates process of the 15 branches and sections and was given a deadline of a month.

On the membership card issue, Swartbooi said they received membership cards only in February, excluding the forms, hence the delay.

She promised the cards will be delivered to the members in due course.