🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Landless People’s Movement faces internal strife as former members allege dictatorial leadership
via The Namibian6 min read
The Landless People’s Movement LPM is experiencing internal tensions, with a former regional councillor, Joseph Isaacks, accusing party leader Bernadus Swartbooi of dictatorial leadership. Isaacks, who served as Keetmanshoop Urban councillor, claims the absence of regional structures leads to centralized control by national leaders. He stated that he would contest this perceived dictatorship and called on Swartbooi to adhere to the party’s founding principles. Isaacks also posted on an LPM WhatsApp group, attributing disunity to Swartbooi's "divide-and-rule tactics" and "favouritism leadership style." Meanwhile, the LPM suspended its former Keetmanshoop mayor, McDonald Hanse, who confirmed his suspension but denied allegations of being linked to the formation of a new political party. LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa dismissed Isaacks’ allegations as false and outdated, asserting that the party operates within its constitutional rules and that Swartbooi's decisions are subject to approval by party structures. Simataa confirmed Hanse's suspension, stating it was due to investigations linking him to a meeting about forming a new political party. The LPM has seen high-profile departures in recent years, including former deputy president Henny Seibeb and former secretary general Edson Isaacks in 2024, and the expulsion of former parliamentarian Harald Kambrude in October last year.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
NamWater has temporarily halted its renewable energy initiative, which aimed to cut operational costs by over 30%, to consult with the Electricity Control Board ECB regarding compliance requirements. Acting chief of strategy and corporate affairs Irwin Haihambo stated that early engagement with the regulator revealed gaps in their initial approach, leading to the pause. The utility is now in discussions with the ECB to align on the correct legal and procedural path forward. This delay comes as electricity costs constitute up to 40% of NamWater's annual operating expenses. The company is exploring options to generate its own energy to reduce reliance on external power supply and is targeting savings of 30% to 40%. The broader strategy involves integrating solar power, with procurement processes already initiated for independent power producers to develop solar photovoltaic plants. In 2021, energy costs for water treatment and pumping exceeded N$363 million, and current electricity demand is estimated at 18 megawatts per hour, expected to double with new infrastructure. NamWater's strategic plan for 2022-2034 aims for solar photovoltaic systems to supply 30% to 70% of its energy needs across selected schemes, seeking to lower operating costs and enhance energy security. The pause highlights the regulatory challenges faced by state-owned enterprises pursuing independent energy sources amid rising power costs.
Petrus Shitembi scored the decisive goal for Kuching City FC in their Malaysian Cup semi-final second leg against Selangor FC, securing a 1-0 victory and a 2-1 aggregate win. Shitembi's 29th-minute goal, struck with his right foot from the edge of the box, propelled Kuching into the final. This marks a strong season for Kuching, who will now face Johor Darul Ta’zim FC in the final on May 23 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the same team that eliminated them from the Malaysian FA Cup semi-finals. In other football news, Moses Shidolo and Isaskar Gurirab won the 2026 Independence Cup with Scottland FC, defeating Highlanders FC 1-0. Mbakondja Tjahikika scored for Platinum FC in a 2-2 draw in the Castle Lager Zimbabwe Premier League. Namibian players McCartney Nawaseb, Kennedy Eib, and Sergio Damaseb started for Simba Bhora FC in their 2-2 draw. In South Africa, Tully Nashixwa played a full match for Richards Bay in their 1-0 win. Riaan Hanamub and Deon Hotto featured in AmaZulu's 3-0 loss to Orlando Pirates, which moved Pirates to the top of the table. Peter Shalulile remains injured as Mamelodi Sundowns reached the CAF Champions League final. In Botswana, Obrey Amseb and Ivan Kamberipa helped Gaborone United advance in the Orange FA Cup with a 1-0 win, while Marcel Papama scored in Township Rollers' 7-1 victory.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Michael Lerutla appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on April 20, 2026, facing charges of fraud, corruption, and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice. The charges stem from a 2019 incident where Lerutla, after being arrested for speeding, allegedly enlisted Mkhwanazi's help to arrange for an impersonator, referred to as "Mr X," to appear in court on his behalf. A charge sheet indicates that R400,000 was allegedly paid by Lerutla and split between Mr X and Mkhwanazi. Mr X also reportedly attended only one session of a community service program intended for Lerutla, who was at the time attending a job interview to become the metro's CFO. Lerutla was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, while Mkhwanazi was arrested at his home where over 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and about 15 R5 rounds were found. These charges are separate from other serious allegations against Mkhwanazi at the Madlanga Commission, which include links to a murder case and claims of running a rogue unit involved in extortion, kidnapping, theft, and truck hijackings. The State requested more time for investigation, and the bail application for both officials was postponed to Thursday.
Must ReadA confidential 2004 report from the Amnesty Task Team ATT, established by former president Thabo Mbeki, has surfaced, revealing a proposal to amend the Constitution to facilitate 'backdoor' amnesties. This report, frequently referenced at the Khampepe Commission, is crucial for examining claims of political interference in Truth and Reconciliation Commission TRC prosecutions between 2003 and 2017. The ATT, an interdepartmental body formed on February 23, 2004, after the TRC concluded, aimed to address unresolved TRC prosecutions. Chaired by Deon Rudman from the Department of Justice, the team included security and legal officials from various departments. Its main recommendation was to create an advisory body to help former president Thabo Mbeki find a legal 'solution' for apartheid-era perpetrators who had not disclosed their crimes or sought amnesty before the TRC's mandate ended. Other options considered were presidential pardons, parole, and correctional supervision for those already convicted. The report also suggested this new body would assess the 'advisability' of criminal proceedings for past offenses and make recommendations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions NDPP. This proposed overreach into the independence of the NPA has been highlighted by former head of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit, advocate Anton Ackermann, and corroborated by senior advocate Mthunzi Mhaga. The report detailed the Mbeki administration's effort to balance the 'national inte