The Secretary General of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo), Joseph Kauandenge, has called on non-Nudo members to refrain from interfering in the party’s internal affairs.
This is in response to Professor Mutjinde Katjiua, representing a faction of the Ovaherero community, who expressed his desire for the Ovaherero Traditional Authority to assume control of Nudo, displacing its current leadership.
Katjiua was speaking during the 19th annual commemoration of the extermination order issued by German colonial forces leader General Lothar von Trotha in 1904, at the Ozombuzovindimba historical site on Sunday.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Kauandenge acknowledged the historical roots of the party and the significant role played by traditional leaders in its formation. However, he said the party’s leadership is determined through democratic elections at the congress, and it cannot permit anyone to assume a de facto leadership role without a democratic mandate.
“The party democratically elected leaders at the congress; they will both excel and make errors, as is inherent to human nature. However, the proper channels for their removal exist within our party’s structures and not through street protests or vocal demonstrations,” Kauandenge said.
Furthermore, Kauandenge reassured Nudo party members that the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the issue of genocide, dismissing claims to the contrary.
Katjiua said it is “disheartening to know that Hosea Kutako’s party, the same party that the late Riruako brought to Parliament as an independent entity to table the genocide motion, is no longer aligned with the Ovaherero cause for reparations.”
Katjiua further asserted that it is the responsibility of his chiefs and senior councillors within the Ovaherero Traditional Authority to reclaim the National Unity Democratic Organisation. “Our only avenue for reclaiming this party is through the upcoming regional councillor elections in Otjinene, Okakarara, Aminuis, Daures, Omatako, Epukiro, and Omaruru. We insist that the candidates nominated for these positions should be endorsed by traditional leaders,” he stated.
The traditional leader instructed his chief council members to identify individuals who they believe are capable of serving as councillors in their respective constituencies, with the intention of presenting these names for approval during the annual Tsoasis chief council meeting later this year.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency