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November 25, 2024 – 11:53
Johannesburg, Nov 25 (EFE).- Before and after being a dentist, Panduleni Itula has been many things: one of them, youth leader of the ruling Southwest Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), to which Now he seeks to defeat, after more than three decades in power in Namibia, with his new political formation.
«Namibia, this is not the time for jokes. It is time for us to sweep the elections, like Mauritius and Botswana did before. We will make history together,” Itula said in the campaign, appealing to the opposition’s victory in the recent presidential elections in those two African countries.
At a time of low hours for SWAPO, the opposition leader has promised in his rallies the end of corruption and the fall of unemployment, “progress against stagnation” that, in his opinion, represents the party of the country’s vice president. , Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, his main rival in these elections.
From activist imprisoned for apartheid to dentist
In his younger years, Itula (1957) was imprisoned by the segregationist ‘apartheid’ regime imposed in what was then South West Africa and now Namibia, which achieved independence from South Africa in 1990.
The now leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, born in the Old Location neighborhood – a segregated area for black residents of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia – spent nine months in prison since April 1979. until January 1980.
In the spring of 1981, Itula arrived in London with the help of white anti-apartheid activist Anton Lubowski. There he did not separate himself from political commitment in his country, but continued fighting for the independence cause through the youth of SWAPO.
He studied Dentistry at the University of Bristol and obtained several postgraduate degrees and recognitions – including a master’s degree in Law -, which helped him develop a solid career as a dentist in the United Kingdom.
Return to Namibia and presidential race
In 2013, after more than three decades, Itula returned to his native Namibia and, a few years later, made the leap to the political front line.
Thus, in the last presidential elections in 2019, he ran independently, despite still being affiliated with SWAPO, and achieved second position with 29.4% of the votes, the best result for the opposition since the independence of Namibia in 1990.
After being expelled from his old party in 2020, Itula founded the IPC, which still does not have parliamentary representation, since it was created after the elections.
If he wins now, he would be able to unseat SWAPO from power for the first time in the history of Namibia.
«Why would you vote for unemployment, hunger, poverty, corruption and rotting fish? That is the legacy of SWAPO. Namibians deserve better. Vote for the CPI to obtain jobs, justice and a better future,” Itula told his campaign followers.
The “change” for southern Africa
Namibia, known for its stable democracy, is experiencing some of the most competitive elections in recent decades: for the first time since its independence in 1990, the leadership of SWAPO is not assured.
Itula appeals for “change” and rebirth, not only of Namibia, but of all of southern Africa, “so that the self-determination of the people and the elimination of corruption come to an end.”
“We will vote for a second liberation: a liberation from corruption, hunger and hopelessness,” said an Itula, convinced of the victory of the IPC.
«This year we are sure; “We will not let the elections be stolen from us,” he stated. EFE
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**What specific policy proposals from the Independent Patriots for Change resonate most with young Namibians, and how might these proposals address their concerns about unemployment and economic opportunity?**
## World Today News: Interview with Panduleni Itula
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we have a very special interview with two guests:
* **Panduleni Itula**: Leader of the Independent Patriots for Change party, running for President of Namibia.
* **Dr. [Name of Politics Expert]**: A renowned expert in Namibian politics and democracy, from [University or Institution].
Thank you both for joining us. This election is shaping up to be one of the most important in Namibia’s history. Let’s delve right in.
**Section 1: Itula’s Journey**
Mr. Itula, your life story is a remarkable one. From resisting apartheid to becoming a dentist and now a prominent politician – what drives you to seek the highest office in Namibia?
* **Follow-up Question:** Dr. [Expert Name], what are the most significant aspects of Mr. Itula’s past that might resonate with Namibian voters today?
**Section 2: IPC’s Call for Change**
Mr. Itula, your campaign promises “progress against stagnation” and an end to corruption and unemployment. What are the concrete steps your party will take to achieve these goals?
* **Follow-up Question:** Dr. [Expert Name], how realistic are these promises in the context of Namibia’s current political and economic situation?
**Section 3: Challenging SWAPO:**
For decades, SWAPO has been the dominant force in Namibian politics. Mr. Itula, how do you plan to defeat an established party like SWAPO, and what appeals is your message making to voters who have traditionally voted for them?
* **Follow-up Question:** Dr. [Expert Name], can you shed light on the factors that might contribute to SWAPO’s potential loss of power?
**Section 4: Beyond Namibia: Regional Inspiration:**
Mr. Itula, you speak of a “second liberation” not only for Namibia but for all of southern Africa. Could you elaborate on what this vision entails and what role Namibia can play in achieving it?
* **Follow-up Question:** Dr. [Expert Name], what are your thoughts on Mr. Itula’s ambition to spark regional change, and how do you see Namibia’s role within the broader southern African context?
**Section 5: Ensuring Free and Fair Elections:**
Mr. Itula, you have expressed concern about the potential for election irregularities. In your view, what measures are crucial to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process in Namibia?
* **Follow-up Question:** Dr. [Expert Name], what institutional and societal factors contribute to ensuring strong democratic processes in Namibia, and what potential challenges exist in this regard?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you both for this insightful discussion. We will all be watching closely as the Namibian election unfolds. It’s clear that this is a crucial moment for the future of the country.
