Staff writer

Swapo’s secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa has revealed that the ruling party’s National Policy Conference will take place in two weeks, on 1 and 2 July.

Shaningwa revealed this during the Swapo party District Coordinators’ Workshop on Saturday.

The conference will engage Swapo cadres in discourse to choose guidelines to determine present and future Swapo decisions. Furthermore, they will also present policy documents, including proposed amendments to the requirements needed to hold party positions such as vice-president or secretary-general.

“As we are approaching our upcoming policy conference, the people will be expecting us to bring about fresh ideas and policy reforms that are inclusive and progressive. Therefore, so much hope and expectation is placed on our shoulders. We must always be cognizant that our people are yearning for accelerated delivery of goods and services,” Shaningwa said.

100 out of 121 party district coordinators met for the workshop.

The SG said the remaining district coordinators and other party office bearers will still be trained in the near future.

She said district coordinators have a vital role to play within the party’s structures.

“They oversee the grassroots structures, where recruitment and mobilization activities take place in our party. Therefore, this capacity-building programme was indeed a game-changer, as it enabled us to assess our stance in society and critically review our performance by drawing lessons and experiences. This was time well spent, engaging in constructive discussions, self-criticism, sharing experiences, learning from each other for the betterment of our operations in the party.”

She said the workshop was necessary to advance the capacities and capabilities of Swapo party cadres.

“This year requires us to adhere to our Rules and procedures as well as to our party constitution. I am expecting total adherence to our Policy documents going forward. Party policies must be respected fully.”