Swapo turns 50

MANY scholars and students of politics have failed to feel the pulse of Swapo in their writings and analysis of this somewhat larger than life movement. 
 
Deeper understanding and appreciation of the inner workings of Swapo and the intricacies of managing power while maintaining greater cohesion by the party have eluded them. 
 
Much of what has come out by way of writings about the party is speculation at best and not informed by reality on the ground. 
 
Consequently, Swapo continues to be an enigma. Only a few people that operate inside this party and former liberation movement have a full grasp of what it is that makes it tick. It is these few people, given their vantage point, that understand Swapo’s character and soul. 
 
That Swapo has and continues to confound its critics including its foes by evading their radar and shielding itself from their prying eyes is beyond question. 
 
A classic example of the lack of understanding of Swapo is the case of Hidipo Hamutenya, its erstwhile information czar and now one of its major critics. 
 
Hamutenya was catapulted from ordinary leader of the party by most commentators to being the power behind the throne during the days of the liberation struggle. He was seen as the brains behind whatever the party did, especially during its days in exile. He was not only revered but was also feared. 
 
In actual fact, some of the commentators believed that if something were to happen to Hamutenya, the party would either suffer irreparable harm or totally collapse. His brainpower was said to be the driving force behind this movement, while its former leader, Dr Sam Nujoma, was regarded as the glue that only kept the different pieces together. That is how the man was viewed in these circles. 
 
While not taking anything away from Hamutenya’s influence (real or imagined) in Swapo and the power that he might have wielded, the same commentators today cannot convincingly explain why he became so vulnerable, powerless and even helpless in the face of the Swapo 2004 congress and after. 
 
What has also not been explained is why Hamutenya, having occupied strategic positions in the party throughout its life, has not found sufficient power and voice to punish the party now that they are on a collision course. He has not used his broad knowledge of the goings-on in Swapo to blast it now that he is on the other side of the political equation. 
 
Does that tell us anything about Swapo and its ability to confound its critics or is this a matter of Hamutenya merely recusing himself from hurling mud at Swapo for fear of dirtying himself? 
 
At 50 years and before, Swapo has demonstrated great instincts for survival. The party has survived great odds either through luck or political genius or both. 
 
Similarly, Swapo has managed to silence its critics by weathering storms where many other liberation movements would not and have actually come out bruised.  
 
The party has withstood all kinds of stereotypes and labels. Once dubbed anti-intellectual, Swapo has proven its commitment to nurturing educated followers by setting up schools and providing scholarships to ordinary members and its leaders alike. 
 
Above all, Swapo has demonstrated a great degree of pragmatism and a willingness to adapt. It is practical and does not philosophise about issues. Such pragmatism coupled with discipline and decisiveness has endeared it so well during times of crisis.  
 
Now that this organisation that has and continues to occupy so much public space is 50 years old on Monday, there is the more reason not to just celebrate its achievements but also to seek better understanding of the organisation. 
 
Scholars and historians cannot afford to ignore the importance of conducting research and studies on this public institution, whose actions or inactions have far-reaching consequences for the ordinary citizen irrespective of political affiliation. We urge them to do so without delay and wish the Swapo Party a happy birthday. 

Credit: www.newera.com.na