🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Swapo delays replacement for late MP James Uerikua's National Assembly seat
via The Namibian4 min read
Swapo has not yet nominated a replacement for James Uerikua's National Assembly seat, despite Peya Mushelenga being next on the party list. Uerikua and his son, Venturo, died in a car accident over the Easter long weekend and were buried at Otjiserandu in the Otjozondjupa region. According to the Swapo Party's list, former international relations and information and communication technology minister Mushelenga is next in line. Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga stated that the party has yet to submit a name to the National Assembly, offering no detailed explanation for the delay, but said a name would be submitted soon. The party had previously indicated that the process would resume after Uerikua's burial. National Assembly spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa explained that the standard procedure requires the assembly to await a nomination from the party that initially designated the deceased member. The political party that nominated the member is responsible for submitting a replacement name to the speaker, who then formally declares the new member. However, the Constitution or standing rules do not prescribe a specific timeframe for filling a vacancy caused by death or resignation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Landless People's Movement LPM advocates for state-owned enterprises SOEs to achieve financial independence and cease reliance on government bailouts. The party notes that since 1999, most SOEs have depended heavily on public funds, with few performing strongly, such as the Namibia Ports Authority, while the majority underperform. LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi questioned why parastatals that monopolize the economy continue to receive public funds without competition, arguing that limited public resources should address urgent socio-economic needs. He attributed poor performance to politically motivated appointments, overlooking merit, and persistent victimisation and tribalism within many SOEs. LPM parliamentarian Eneas Emvula criticised the proposed Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Act of 2025, warning that placing entities under the Office of the Prime Minister could weaken their operational independence. Emvula stated that about 80% of SOEs have failed to make a meaningful economic impact, suggesting stronger business strategies could have prevented the current situation. He also doubted the viability of Namibia Air but suggested success through strategic partnerships. The government announced funding cuts for SOEs in the 2026/27 financial year, reducing subsidies and transfers to N$615.7 million, with Emvula noting that these 17–20% cuts should encourage entities to improve efficiency and become self-sustaining.
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