Adopted by the First Congress of SWAPO PARTY in an Independent Namibia, December 6 – 12, 1991 and amended by SWAPO PARTY EXTRA ORDINARY CONGRESS, 27 – 28 August 1998 Windhoek, Republic of Namibia
CHAPTER I
ARTICLE I
THE NAME
The name of the party is the SWAPO PARTY, hereinafter to be referred to as SWAPO PARTY. The National Headquarters of the Party shall be situated in the Capital City of the Republic of Namibia.
ARTICLE II
Definition
SWAPO PARTY is a mass based political Party born and selected in the crucible of a popular and heroic struggle for national independence. It is founded on the principles of democracy, solidarity, freedom, social justice and progress.
ARTICLE III
A. PREAMBLE
(1) Whereas the Namibian people have emerged victorious from the struggle against colonialism;
(2) Whereas Namibia has taken its rightful place among the free nations of the world as a sovereign state;
(3) Whereas the establishment of a democratic political system in the country has brought the role of political parties from the back of the burner to primacy of place in our nation’s political life;
(4) Whereas a political party is an important agency in a modern society for the articulation society’s aspirations, developmental goals, objectives, and political communication for the training of future political leaders;
(5) Whereas the process of democratization of the Namibian society and elimination from it of the pernicious of the apartheid past;
(6) Whereas the Namibian people have a strong desire to strengthen the unity of the nation and the independence of the country through common consensus of democratic values and patriotism;
(7) Whereas the mobilization of the productive energies of the masses of the Namibian people is the critical factor in the reconstruction of our society; and
(8) Whereas the exploitation of one person by another, individual or as a class, including gender inequality, is unacceptable in an independent and democratic Namibia;
B. Now, therefore, SWAPO PARTY declares its aims and objectives as follows:
(1) to unite the people of Namibia, irrespective of race, religion, sex, or ethnic origin into a democratic, vibrant and peace-loving nation;
(2) to defend and protect Namibia’s hard-won freedom and independence;
(3) to foster a sense of common purpose and collective destiny among the Namibian people;
(4) to combat retrogressive tendencies of tribalism, ethnicity, nepotism, racism, sexism, chauvinism, regionalism, personality cult, etc.;
(5) to instill in the Namibian people a spirit of patriotism and to develop in them the consciousness that they are masters of the own destiny;
(6) to educate the people to uphold, with honour and pride, Namibia’s emblems which constitute the symbols of the country’s sovereignty, the constitution, the national flag, the national anthem, the coat of arms, etc.;
(7) to promote the development of the culture of the Namibian people through the reconstruction of the nation’s system of education, the encouragement of cultural exchanges with other nations as well as incentives to Namibians who
show potential for technological and artistic creativity;
(8) to ensure that Namibia works, on the one hand, in close cooperation with other African states, to advance the cause of African unity and, with all the other states to promote world peace and security, on the other;
(9) to fight under development, poverty, illiteracy and disease;
(10) to promote accelerated economic development and to create a balance and interlinkages between the primary and the secondary sectors of our economy in order to promote self-reliance and the upliftment of the standard of living of
the vast majority of the Namibian people;
(11) to invest by way of acquiring shares or otherwise in any viable business, venture or enterprise; and
(12) to establish companies, close corporations and any other business organization, either wholly owned by the PARTY or the PARTY in partnership with either organizations or institutions, with the view to generating funds necessary to ensure the smooth function and operations of the PARTY.
CHAPTER II
ARCICLE IV
Membership
There shall be two categories of SWAPO PARTY membership:
(a) individual membership; and
(b) affiliate membership.
A. Individual Membership
(1) Membership of SWAPO Party shall be open to every Namibian citizen who accepts the aims and objective of SWAPO Party as set-out in Article III above and who, in addition is of the age 18 years and above and who is not a member of any other Political Party.
(2) A person wishing to become a member of SWAPO Party shall make his or her application and submit it to the Secretary of the appropriate Branch of the Party. He or she must be recommended by two members of the party who
must have known him or her a minimum period of two (2) years.
(3) Upon admission to membership, a member shall pay and admission fee to the Party and a receipt thereof shall be given. The amount of the admission fee shall be determined from time by the Central Committee of SWAPO Party. In
addition, he or she shall pay an annual membership fee that will also be determined from time by the Central Committee.
(4) Membership in SWAPO Party may be lost through:
(a) resignation, or
(b) expulsion under Article VI (13) and VII (10)
5. In the event of either resignation or expulsion, no refund of admission or membership fees shall be made.
B. Affiliate membership
(1) Affiliate Membership of SWAPO Party shall be open to any bona fide sociocultural organization (e.g., Trade Unions, student union or professional organization) which accepts the aims and objectives of SWAPO Party as set in Article III of this constitution.
(2) Any organization wishing to become an affiliate member of SWAPO Party shall in writing, enclosing a resolution of its organization to that effect, as well as a copy of its constitution to the Secretary-General of SWAPO Party.
(3) The Secretary-Genera of SWAPO Party shall place the application before the political bureau of SWAPO Party which shall whether or not to grant membership.
(4) Upon admission to membership, the organization shall pay a specified admission fee. In addition such organization shall pay a specified annual membership fee to be determined from time to time by the Political Bureau of SWAPO Party.
(5) An affiliate organization may be called upon by SWAPO Party to make such financial contribution towards the funds of the Party as may be agreed upon between SWAPO Party and that organization.
(6) Affiliate membership may be lost through;
(a) withdrawal by the organization or
(b) expulsion from SWAPO Party under Article VI (13) and VII (10)
(7) No affiliate organization may withdraw from SWAPO Party unless it has given
notice to that effect six month prior to such withdrawal.
(8) No refund of admission or membership fees shall be made upon withdrawal or
expulsion.
C. Rights and Obligations
(1) A member of SWAPO Party has a right:
(a) to demand the fulfillment of what is established in this constitution, as well as the implementation of resolutions, decisions, directives and agreements of the Party.
(b) To participate in Congress and meetings of SWAPO Party organs, wings and affiliated organization to which he or she belongs and to freely discuss in them the policy and activities of the Party.
(c) To put forward proposals and defend his or her opinions before a decision is reached on the matter under discussion.
(d) To vote at meetings on decisions to be taken in relation to matter discussed;
(e) To elect and be elected to positions of authority in the subject to restrictions set out in this Constitution.
(f) To state matters and address questions, petitions and proposals to the appropriate organs;
(g) To receive concrete and timely answers to his or her proposals; and
(h) To express in such meetings his or her opinions freely and without fear or favour and to contribute to discussions and participate in the adoption of the decisions of those organs.
(2) A member of SWAPO Party has the following obligations:
(a) to act dedication and commitment in the interests of the Party and the national interest of Namibians;
(b) to be of exemplary conduct and to act in a spirit of comradeship towards other members of the Party;
(c) to respect, take care of and protect the property of the Party;
(d) to attend meetings of the Party called by the organs he or she belongs to, as well as any other meetings he or she may be summoned by the Party to attend;
(e) to observe and comply with decisions, resolutions and directives of the majority, even though he or she have voted against them or held a diverging opinion during the discussions;
(f) to contribute to the strengthening of the organic unity of the Party and the political consciousness of its rank and file;
(g) to be ever vigilant against infiltration of the ranks of the Party by persons not worth the honour of SWAPO Party membership;
(h) to oppose factionalism and defend the party;
(i) to strive constantly to explain the aims and objectives, policies and the political direction as of the party to the masses;
(j) to promote and exercise criticism without fear and self-criticism with a view to overcoming any defects, errors or deviations in the Party;
(k) to be sincere and honest; and
(l) to promote the Party’s secrets.
CHAPTER III
PARTY STRUCTURE
ARTICLE V
The Organs
THE CONGRESS
(1) There shall be a Congress of SWAPO Party.
(2) The Congress shall be the supreme organ of the Party.
(3) The Congress of SWAPO Party shall be composed of:
(a) all members of the Central Committee;
(b) then delegates elected from each of the Regional Executive
Committee by the Regional Conferences.
(c) Three delegates elected from each district executive
committee by the District Conferences.
(d) Fifteen delegates from SWAPO Party Youth League and SWAPO Party Elder’s Council who have been duly elected
by their respective Congresses;
(e) Twenty delegates from SWAPO Party Women’s Council who have been elected by their respective congresses;
(f) Fifteen delegates from each of the affiliate organizations; and
(g) With the exception of an extra-ordinary congress, thirty specially invited personalities who must have outstanding
contribution to the work and development of SWAPO Party but are non office-bearing members of the Party. This
category shall have the right to participate fully in the deliberation of the congress but will not have the right to vote.
Provides that in the event of an extra-ordinary Congress of the SWAPO Party where the holding of such congresses and conferences may not be feasible due to financial constraints or urgency of the subject-matter to be discussed, SWAPO Party Wings, regions and districts shall be entitled to adopt a different formula from which is prescribed in this Article of
selecting delegates to the extra-ordinary congress; provided further such formula has been agreed with the Secretary General.
(4) the Congress shall have the power to set policy of the party, review and asses the overall activities and development of the Party.
(5) The Congress shall have the power to confirm, amend, repudiate or revoke any decision made by any organ of the Party.
(6) The Congress shall evaluate the work of the Central Committee, consider, adopt or reject reports including financial reports and recommendation, thereof.
(7) The Congress shall determine the programmatic orientation of the Party.
(8) The Congress shall have the power to adopt and amend the Constitution of the Party; a two-third majority of the votes shall be required for such purpose. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be forwarded to the central Committee not later than three (3) months prior to the holding of the congress.
(9) The Congress shall elect the Central Committee, the President, Vice-President, Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General of the Party.
(10) The Congress of the party shall be held after every five years.
(11) The Congress shall be called by the Central Committee not later than three months prior to the holding of such Congress.
(12) The Central Committee may on its own initiative, or at the request of at east two-thirds majority of all regional executive Committees, convene an extra-ordinary congress of the Party.
(13) The agenda of an congress shall be proposed by the initiators of such a Congress.
(14) The Extra-ordinary Congress shall be held not later than two months after the proposal for its convocation has been made.
(15) The quorum of the Congress shall be a simple majority or more than half of the voting delegates.
(16) The Congress will elect its officials and frame rules for its proceedings.
ARTICLE VI
The Central Committee
(1) There shall be a Central Committee of SWAPO Party.
(2) The Central Committee shall be the highest organ of authority between two congresses and its Chairperson shall be the President of the Party.
(3) The Central Committee shall consist of 70 members, including the President, Vice-president, the Secretary general and deputy Secretary General who shall be elected directly by the congress, six (6) to be appointed by the president,
three (3) elected secretaries for the wings and thirteen elected regional Coordinators.
(4) A minimum of ten (10) years of continuous membership in SWAPO Party shall be required for a member to be eligible for membership of the Central Committee.
(5) The Central Committee shall discuss, adopt, review, amend or annul its own resolutions, decisions and recommendations and/or those of the Political Bureau.
(6) The Central Committee shall convene the congress of SWAPO Party.
(7) The Central Committee shall meet annually or as often as it shall be requested by the Political Bureau.
(8) All members of the Central Committee shall be compulsory required to attend all meetings of the central Committee, except those who may be on specific and urgent missions or duties of the party or its government.
(9) A member of the Central Committee who fails to be present at three consecutive meetings without valid reasons shall cease to be a member of the Central Committee.
(10) The Central Committee shall elect from amongst its members, the Political Bureau and all national officers, other than the president, the Vice-President, Secretary General and deputy Secretary General.
(11) The Central Committee shall consider current of the policy and practice of SWAPO Party, adjust its political view, respond timely to new problems and determine concrete political stands towards solutions to such problems.
(12) The Central Committee shall determine the most appropriate ways and means of promoting the political education and development of the cadres of the Party.
(13) With the exception of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary General, the deputy Secretary General, the Central committee shall have the power to expel by two-third majority an affiliate organization for serious misconduct or
violation of the Constitution.
(14) The Central Committee shall ensure that the account-books, accounts, registers or statements which are kept or prepared in connection with the collection, receipt, custody, banking, payment or issue of money, securities,
equipment and stores are audited by professional external auditors who shall be appointed by the Political Bureau.
(15) The Central Committee shall set a cut off date for the party’s financial year in order to ensure the examination of revenues, disbursement of funds and use of other property of the party by external auditors.
(16) The Central Committee shall approve the Annual budget of the Party’
(17) The Central Committee shall have the power to establish as many subcommittees as may required.
(18) The Central Committee shall be accountable to the Congress
(19) The quorum of the Central Committee shall be a simple majority of its members.
(20) No Party member shall be eligible for election or appointment as a members of the Central Committee unless such a member meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
ARTICLE VII
The Political Bureau
(1) There shall be a Political bureau of the Central Committee of SWAPO Party.
(2) The Political Bureau shall be responsible for policy formulation in the period between Central Committee.
(3) The Political bureau shall be the steering committee of the central Committee, directing the political and programmatic agenda of the Party.
(4) The composition of the Political bureau shall be 21 members, including the President of the party who will be its Chairperson, the Vice –President, the Secretary General and the Deputy secretary General.(5) The Political Bureau shall be responsible for putting into practice all decisions, resolutions and directives of the Congress and the Central Committee.
(6) The Political Bureau shall be responsible to and render account periodically to the Central Committee on its own work, on that of the Secretariat as well as on that of the regional Executive Committees.
(7) The Political Bureau shall appoint a Secretariat which shall assist it in executing the day to day work of the Party.
(8) The Political Bureau shall supervise and control the use and maintenance of SWAPO Party funds and books of accounts at the Headquarters, the regional, the district and the branch levels of the Party.
(9) The Political Bureau shall appoint an external auditor to audit the Party’s financial records and accounts.
(10) With the exception of the president, the Vice-President, the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary general, the Political bureau shall by two-third majority of its members have authority to expel any member of the Party or
suspend any affiliate organinsation for serious misconduct or violation of the Constitution and respect of an affiliate organization refer to the Central Committee for final decision.
(11) The Political Bureau shall have the power to call extra-ordinary meeting of the Central Committee as well as of the Regional Conferences.
(12) The Political Bureau shall appoint officials to undertake party missions on the recommendation of the Secretariat.
(13) The Political Bureau shall have the power to appoint acting regional officials in case of unresolved disputes in the Regional Executive Committee pending the holding of elections.
(14) The Political bureau shall meet at least once a month and as often as it may be requested by the Secretariat or by a Regional Executive Committee.
(15) A member of the Political Bureau shall have the right to propose the holding of an emergency meeting or the Political Bureau.
(16) The Political Bureau shall have the power to appoint Deputies to National officers whose duties and functions are defined under Article IX.
(17) The Political Bureau shall appoint directors of all Party Companies.
(18) The Political Bureau shall receive and approve the audited accounts of Party companies not later than six months after close of financial year.
(19) All members of the Political Bureau shall be compulsory required to attend all meetings of the Political Bureau meetings, except those who may be on specified and urgent missions or duties for the Party.
(20) Any member of the political Bureau who absents himself from three consecutive meetings without valid reasons shall immediately cease to be a member of the Political Bureau.
(21) The quorum of the Political bureau shall be a simple majority of its members.
No Party member shall be eligible for election to the political bureau unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
ARTICLE VIII
NATIONAL OFFICERS
Besides the President, the vice-President, the Secretary General, and the Deputy Secretary General, there shall be the following National Officers who shall be elected by the Central committee from amongst its members:
(1) Secretary for External relations;
(2) Secretary for Defence and Security;
(3) Secretary for Economic Affairs
(4) Secretary for Finance;
(5) Secretary for Information and Mobilization
(6) Secretary for Labour
(7) Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport;
(8) Secretary for Legal Affairs
(9) Secretary for Heath and Social Services;
(10) Secretary for Transport;
(11) Secretary for Environmental Affairs;
(12) Secretary for SWAPO Party Youth League
(13) Secretary for SWAPO Party Women’s Council;
(14) Secretary for SWAPO Party Elders Council.
ARTICLE IX
Duties and functions of the National Officers
(A) THE PRESIDENT
(1) The President of the SWAPO Party shall be the leader and the Chief Executive Officer of the party.
(2) He or She shall be the Chairperson of the Central Committee, the Political Bureau and the Congress.
(3) He or She shall conduct his or her duties and functions in consultation with the Political Bureau and the Secretary General.
(4) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(5) He or She shall be elected the congress by secret ballot for a five-year term of office.
(6) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(7) He or She may be removed from office by resolution of the Congress, supported by at least two-third majority of the delegates.
(8) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the political bureau unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(B) VICE-PRESIDENT
(1) The Vice-President shall be the principal assistant to the President in the discharge of this or her duties and function in the Party.
(2) He or She shall exercise al such functions as may be delegated to him or her by the President.
(3) He or She shall exercise the same powers and carry out all the duties and functions of the President in the absence of the President.
(4) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(5) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot by Congress for a five-year term of office.
(6) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(7) He or She may be removed from office by Congress, supported by at least two-third majority of the delegates.
(8) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the political bureau unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(C) SECRETARY-GENERAL
(1) The Secretary General shall be responsible for the external co-ordination and streamlining of the political administrative activities of the Party.
(2) He or She shall be secretary to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(3) He or She shall supervise the business of the Congress, the Central Committee and its Political Bureau. And shall ensure implementation of decisions of these organs.
(4) He or She shall regularly visit regional offices and be in constant Correspondence with all the Regional Executive officers so as to acquaint himself or herself with the problems facing such offices.
(5) He or She shall maintain regularly a register of the party’s membership.
(6) He or She shall be responsible for sending out invitations, by letter or other approved methods, to the Congress, the Central Committee and the Political Bureau.
(7) He or She shall keep records, minutes and correspondences of meetings and decisions of the national and regional organs as well as Wings and Affiliate Organisations.
(8) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(9) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot by Congress for a five-year term of office.
(10) He or She shall be eligible for re-elections.
(11) He or she may be suspended from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at east two-third majority of the members.
(12) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Deputy SecretaryGeneral of SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution
(D) DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL
(1) The Deputy Secretary-General shall be the principle assistant to the Secretary General.
(2) He or She shall exercise al such function as may be delegated to him or her by the Secretary General.
(3) He or She shall exercise the same powers and carry out al the duties and functions of the Secretary General in the absence of the Secretary General.
(4) He or She shall be accountable to the central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(5) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot by the Congress for a five-year term of office.
(6) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(7) He or she may be suspended from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at east two-third majority of the members.
(8) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Deputy SecretaryGeneral of SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(E) SECRETARY FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS
(1) The Secretary for External relations shall be the spokesperson of the Party on foreign affairs and responsible for promoting friendship, co-operations and active solidarity with other progressive and democratic parties and
movements throughout the world.
(2) He or she shall be responsible for foreign contacts of the Party.
(3) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for a five-year term of office by the central Committee from amongst its members.
(4) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(5) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the members.
(6) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for External affairs for SWAPO PARTY unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(F) SECRETARY FOR DEFENCE AND SECURITY
(1) The Secretary for Defence and security shall be the party’s spokesperson on defence and security matters.
(2) He or she shall be accountable to the central Committee and its political Bureau.
(3) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(4) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(5) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the members.
(6) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for Defence and Security for SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(G) SECRETARY FOR FINANCE
1) The Secretary for Finance shall be the Party’s spokesperson on finance matters.
2) He or She shall keep and maintain books of accounts, vouchers, financial documents and reports of the Party, and submit them to external auditing.
3) He or She shall prepare and present to the Political Bureau and the Central Committee, at the end of each financial year, up-to-date accounts of income and expenditure of the Party.
4) He or She shall have the power to check SWAPO Party banking accounts and books of accounts in the regional and district offices, and report the findings thereof to the Political Bureau.
5) He or She shall be responsible for making payments on behalf of SWAPO Party, and for keeping copies of all receipts thereof.
6) He or She shall prepare all cheques and payment vouchers.
7) He or She shall study possibilities and make proposals about the appropriate ways and means of raising funds for the Party.
8) He or she shall be co-signatory to al cheques at the National Headquarters.
9) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
10) He or She shall receive from al departments at the end of every financial year, their departmental expenditures of the previous year and their budgets for the ensuing year.
11) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
12) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
13) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the members.
14) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for Finance of SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(H) SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION AND MOBILIZATION
(1) The Secretary for Information and Mobilization shall be the party’s spokesperson on media and communication matters, and shall be responsible for gathering, analyzing, publishing and disseminating information on the socio-economic and political conditions in Namibia.
(2) He or She shall be responsible for composing, editing and issuing SWAPO Party press releases and publications and for arranging press conferences as may be directed by the Central Committee, the Political bureau, or the President of SWAPO Party.
(3) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(6) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the members.
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for Information and Mobilization for SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(I) THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORT
(1) The Secretary for Education, culture and sport shall be the party’s spokesperson on education, training and culture.
(2) He or She shall be responsible for the promotion of the country’s advancement in scientific knowledge, technical know-how and artistic creativity.
(3) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee from amongst its members
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(6) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member.
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for education, Culture and Sport of SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(J) SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT
(1) The Secretary for Transport shall be the Party’s spokesperson on transport matters.(2) He or She shall be responsible for proper use and maintenance of the vehicles of the Party.
(3) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(6) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for Transport of SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(K) SECRETARY FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS
(1) The Secretary for Legal affairs shall be the party’s spokesperson on legal matters.
(2) He or She shall study the country’s laws and propose timely repeals or amendments to the laws and regulations, regulations, especially those that were used as instruments of oppression and expression and exploitation in
Namibia.
(3) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(6) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(L) SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
(1) The Secretary for Economic Affairs shall be the spokesperson of the party on economic matters.
(2) He or She shall study the potentialities and possibilities for an all-round and balance economic development of Namibia and make recommendations thereon to the Political Bureau.
(3) He or She shall be responsible for the establishment and development for Party enterprises.
(4) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.(5) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(6) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(7) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member
(8) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the political bureau unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(M) SECRETARY FOR LABOUR
(1) The Secretary for Labour shall be the spokesperson of the Party on labour matters.
(2) He or She shall study at all times the opinions, concerns and requirements and problems of the workers and make proposals as to the measure to be adopted to improve the situation of the workers and labour relations in the country.
(3) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(6) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for Labour for SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(N) SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
(1) The Secretary for Environmental Affairs shall be the spokesperson on Environmental matters.
(2) He or She shall responsible for analyzing and monitoring the operation of factors affecting the environmental and to propose timely measures to be taken in order to protect the environment.
(3) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Central Committee form amongst its members.
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(6) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member.
(7) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for Environmental Affairs for SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(O) SECRETARY FOR SWAPO PARTY YOUTH LEAGUE
(1) The Secretary for SWAPO Party Youth League shall be the party’s spokesperson on youth matters.
(2) He or She shall not be more than 45 years of age.
(3) He or she shall guide the activities of the SWAPO Party Youth League on the basis of the directives of the Political Bureau.
(4) He or She shall promote and coordinate contacts and solidarity between SWAPO Party youth league and other friendly youth organizations thought-out the world.
(5) He or She shall preside over SWAPO Party Youth League Congress and meetings.
(6) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(7) He or she shall be elected by secret ballot for a five-year term of office by the Congress of SWAPO Party Youth League which shall take place prior to the congress of SWAPO Party.
(8) He or She shall be endorsed by the Congress of SWAPO Party.
(9) He or she shall be eligible for re-election.
(10) He or She may be suspended from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member.
(11) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for SWAPO Party Youth League unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(P) SECRETARY FOR SWAPO PARTY WOMEN’S COUNCIL
(1) The Secretary for SWAPO Party Women’s Council shall be the Party’s spokesperson on Women affairs.
(2) She shall be responsible for the articulation of SWAPO Party’s policies and the Political Programme among the Namibian Women.
(3) She shall supervise the activities of the SWAPO Party Women’s Council.
(4) She shall give guidance in formulation and execution of plans and programmes and design the specific interest of Namibian women.
(5) She shall preside over SWAPO Party Women’s Council Congress and meetings.
(6) She shall promote cooperation and solidarity with other progressive national and international women’s organizations.
(7) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(8) She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Congress of SWAPO Party Women’s Council which shall take place prior to the Congress of SWAPO Party
(9) She shall be endorsed by the Congress of SWAPO Party.
(10) He or she shall be eligible for re-election.(11) She may be suspended from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member.
(12) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for SWAPO Party Women’s Council unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
(Q) SECRETARY FOR SWAPO PARTY ELDERS COUNCIL
(1) He or she shall be the party’s spokesperson on the issues affecting Namibia’s senior citizens and veterans of Namibia’s struggle for national liberation.
(2) He or She shall be responsible for the explanation of SWAPO Party’s policies and the Political Programme amongst Namibia’s elders.
(3) He or She shall encourage elders to play as active role in running of the party by availing to the party their experienced guidance and tried and tested wisdom.
(4) He or She shall supervise the activities and preside over SWAPO Party Elders Council’s Congress.
(5) He or She shall be accountable to the Central Committee and its Political Bureau.
(6) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Congress of SWAPO Party Elders Council which shall take place prior to the Congress of SWAPO Party.
(7) He or she shall be eligible for re-election.
(8) She may be suspended from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the member.
(9) No Party member shall be eligible for election to the Secretary for SWAPO Party Elders Council unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of this Constitution.
ARTICLE X
Secretariat
(1) There shall be a Secretariat of SWAPO Party.
(2) The Secretariat shall be appointed by the Political Bureau.
(3) The Secretariat shall be compose of the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General and Head’s of Departments.
(4) The Secretariat shall assist the political Bureau in the implementation of the decisions, resolutions and directives of the Central committee and Political Bureau.
(5) The Secretariat shall be responsible for the coordinated functioning of the technical and administrative bodies of the Party.
(6) The Secretariat may establish such number of committees as it may deem necessary, including a Finance Committee to administer the finances of the Party accordance with the relevant financial regulation and acceptable accounting procedure.
(7) The Secretariat shall have the power to call for emergency meetings of the Political bureau.
(8) The quorum of the Secretariat shall be a simple majority of its members.
CHAPTER FOUR
ARTICLE XI
Regional Organs
(1) The shall be the following organs of SWAPO Party at the regional level:
(a) Regional Conference; and
(b) ]Regional executive Committee
(A) REGIONAL CONFERENCE
(2) There shall be a regional Conference for each Administrative Region
(3) The composition of the Regional Conference shall be as follows:
(a) members of the Regional Executive Committee;
(b) four delegates from each of the district in the Region; and
(c) four delegates from each of the Party Wings and affiliated organization.
(4) The Regional Conference shall be the highest organ in the Region.
(5) It shall be competent to discuss and decide on matters of regional concern and may make recommendation thereon to the Political Bureau through the Secretariat.
(6) The Regional Conference shall elect the regional executive Committee.
(7) The Regional Conference shall elect the Regional Coordinator.
(8) It shall consider and adopt reports submitted to it by the regional executive Committee on the activities of the Party within the Region.
(9) The Regional Conference shall be convened by the regional Executive Committee once every five year and shall, subject to the proviso contain in Article V (3) of this Constitution, do so immediately prior to the Congress of
the Party.
(10) An Extraordinary regional conference may be called on the initiative of either the Political bureau, by two third of members of the Regional Executive Committee or the District executive committee or at the request of both.
(11) The quorum of the Regional Executive Committee shall be simple majority of the delegates entitled to attend and vote.
(12) It shall elect ten delegates from the regional executive Committee members to the Congress of the Party.
(B) REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(1) There shall be a Regional executive Committee for each Administrative region.
(2) The regional Executive Committee shall be compose of :
(a) The Regional Coordinator
(b) The Regional Treasurer
(c) The Regional information an Mobilization Officer,
(d) All District coordinators in the Region;
(e) All district information and Mobilization Officers in the Region;
(f) One delegate from each of the party wings and affiliate organization.
(3) The regional Executive committee shall be responsible of the implementation in the regional, of the decision, resolutions and directive of the Congress, the Central Committee, the Political Bureau and the Regional Conference.
(4) The Regional Executive committee shall be accountable to the regional Conference and the political bureau.
(5) The Regional executive Committee shall be responsible for the political and mobilization of the masses for broad participation in the activities of the Party.
(6) The Regional Executive Committee shall have the power to suspend any member of the party, in the region, for serious misconduct or violation of the constitution. And refer the matter to the Political Bureau for ratification.
(7) The Regional Executive committee may appoint such sub-committees as may be necessary for the better implementation of the policies and programmes of the party in the Region.
(8) The Regional Executive Committee shall meet at least one in three month and as often as may be requested by a majority of the District Executive Committee.
(9) The quorum of its meetings shall be a simple majority of the members entitled to attended and vote.
ARTICLE XII
Duties and Functions of the Regional Officers
(A) REGIONAL COORDINATOR
(1) The Regional Coordinator shall take overall charge of the Activities of the Party in the Region.
(2) He or She shall be the party’s chief administration officer and party leaderat the regional level.
(3) He or she shall preside over the regional conference and the Regional Executive Committee.
(4) He or She shall be co-signatory to al cheques issued by the regional headquarters.
(5) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for a five year term of office by the regional Conference, supported by at least two-third majority of the delegates.
(6) He or She shall be accountable to the Regional executive committee.
(7) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(8) He or she shall be suspended by the regional executive committee by resolution, supported by a at least two-third majority of its member.
(9) He or She shall endorse as a member of the Central Committee by the Congress of SWAPO Party.
(10) He or She shall be removed from office by resolution of the Regional conference, supported by at least two-third majority of the delegates.
(11) No party members shall be eligible for election as a regional coordinator of SWAPO Party unless he or she meets the requirements of Article VI (4) of its Constitution.
(B) REGIONAL TREASURER
(1) The Regional Treasurer shall receive and bank, within 7 days of receipt, all the monies belonging to the party at the Regional level.
(2) He or She shall be responsible for making payments on behalf of SWAPO Party and keeping accounts, vouchers, receipts and copies of financial statements and reports, as well as stock-cards.
(3) He or She shall study possibilities and make proposals concerning the raising of funds.
(4) He or she shall be co-signatory to al cheques at the Regional Headquarters
(5) He or She shall be accountable to the Regional Executive Committee.
(6) He or She shall be elected by secret ballot for five-year term of office by the Regional Conference from amongst its members.
(7) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.
(8) He or She shall be suspended by the Regional Executive Committee by resolution supported by at least two-third majority of its members
(9) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the delegates
C. REGIONAL INFORMATION AND MOBILIZATION OFFICER
(1) The Regional Information and Mobilization Officer shall be responsible for gathering, analyzing, publishing and disseminating information on the social, economic and political realities in the Region.
(2) He or She shall propagate, explain and defend the policies and the Political programme of SWAPO Party
(3) He or She shall study responsible for the preparation and distribution of SWAPO Party information and publicity materials in the Region.
(4) He or she shall be accountable to the Regional Executive Committee
(5) He or She shall be eligible for re-election.(6) He or She shall be suspended by the Regional Executive Committee by
resolution supported by at least two-third majority of its members
(7) He or she may be removed from office by resolution of the Central Committee supported by at least two-third majority of the delegates
ARTICLE XIII
District Organs
There shall be the following organs of SWAPO Party at the district level:
(a) District conference; and
(b) District Executive Committee
(A) DISTRICT CONFERENCE
(1) There shall be an annual District Conference. Its Composition shall be as follows:
(a) All members of the District Executive Committee;
(b) Four delegates elected by each Branch in the District; and
(c) One delegate fro each of the Party Wings and affiliate organizations.
(2) The annual District Conference shall be the highest organ authority in the District and shall, subject to the provision contained in Article V (3) of this Constitution, meet annually or as often as the need arises.
(3) An Extraordinary conference may be called at the instance of either the Secretary General, by two-third majority of the District Executive Committee, the Branch Executive Committee or at the request of both.
(4) The Annual district Conference shall be competent to discuss matters of district interest and may make recommendations thereon to the regional Executive Committee and the Regional Conference.
(5) It shall consider and adopt reports on the activities of the Party within the district.
(6) It shall elect four delegates to the regional conference.
(7) It shall elect the District officers on the pattern of the regional Officers.
(8) It shall elect the district Executive Committee from amongst its delegates.
(9) It shall elect three delegates from the District Executive Committee members to the Congress of the Party.
(10) The quorum of the District Conference shall be a simple majority of the delegates entitled to attend and vote.
(B) DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(1) There shall be a District executive committee for each District. It composition shall be as follows:
(a) The District Coordinator;
(b) The District Treasurer;
(c) The District Information and Mobilization officer;
(d) All Branch Coordinators;
(e) All Branch Secretaries;
(f) One representative from each of the Party Wings and affiliate organizations; and
(g) All elected members of the regional Council as ex-officio: members.
(2) The duties and functions of the District executive Officers will correspond to those of their respective counterparts in the regional executive Committee, with the exemption that their term of office shall be three years.
(3) The District Executive Committee shall recommend to the regional Executive Committee the suspension of District officials and individual members of the party, for serious misconduct or violation of the Party Constitution.
(4) The District Executive Committee shall be accountable to the District Conference.
(5) The quorum of its meetings shall be a simple majority of its members entitled to attend and vote.
ARTICLE XIV
Branch Organs
(1) There shall be the following organs of SWAP Party at the Branch level:
(a) Branch Conference; and
(b) Branch Executive Committee
(A) BRANCH CONFERENCE
(1) There shall be a Branch conference of SWAPO Party. Its composition shall be as follows:
(a) All members of the Branch Executive Committee;
(b) Four delegates from each of the sections in the Branch; and
(c) One delegate from each of the party wings and affiliate organization.
(2) The Branch Conference shall be the highest organ of authority at the branch eve and shall meet annually.
(3) An Extraordinary Branch Conference may be called at the instance of either the secretary –general, by two-third majority of the Branch executive committee, members of the sections in the branch or at the request of both.
(4) It shall by secret ballot, elect the Branch Executive Committee.
(5) It shall be competent to discuss such matters of local interest as it may deem fit and make recommendation thereon to the District executive committee and to the District Conference.
(6) It shall by secret ballot select four delegates to the District Conference.
(B) BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(1) There shall be a Branch Executive Committee of SWAPO Party for each branch in each Administrative District
(2) The composition as well as the functions of its members shall correspond to those of the District executive Committee, except that al Section Secretaries shall be members of the Branch executive Committee, that a monthly enrolment of membership shall be compiled and forwarded to the District executive Committee every month, and that the term of office of the Branch executive Committee members shall be two years.
(3) It shall organize SWAPO party members and recruit new ones,
(4) It shall raise funds for the party by collecting membership fees;
(5) It shall generally supervise and coordinate the activities of the party within the Branch and shall report thereon to the branch Conference;
(6) It may appoint such sub-committees as may be necessary for the better carrying out of the functions and activities of the party in the Branch.
(7) The Branch executive Committee shall recommend to the District Executive Committee the suspension of section officials and individual member of the party for serious misconduct or violation of the Constitution.
(8) It shall meet once every month or as may be necessary.
(9) It shall be accountable to the Branch Conference.
(10) The quorum of its meeting shall be simple majority of its members entitled to attend and vote.
(11) The quorum of its meetings shall be a simple majority of its members entitled to attend and vote.
ARTICLE XV
SECTION
(1) There shall be a Section of SWAPO Party which shall be the basic organ of the Party;
(2) The Section shall be established in residential areas.
(3) Between (15) and fifty (50) members of the Party shall be required to constitute a Section.
(4) Each Section shall elect for a one year term of office a Secretary who will take overall charge of the affairs of the party in the Section.
(5) The Section shall be accountable to the Branch executive Committee in the area under which it falls.
(6) The Section shall educate members of the party in the knowledge of SWAPO Party Constitution, the Political Programme, resolutions, directives and decisions.
(7) It shall discuss and analyses all the documents, resolutions, reports, and decisions of the Party.
CHAPTER V
ARTICLE XVI
Wings of the Party
There shall be the following wings of SWAPO Party:
(A) SWAPO PARTY YOUTH LEAGUE (SPYL)
(1) There shall be a SWAPO Party Youth League (SPY)
(2) Subject to Article IX 92) of this Constitution, membership of SWAPO Party Youth League shall be open to all Namibian youths who accept the aims and objectives of SWAPO Party and whose age is between 18 and 35 year.
(3) Minors who wish to identify themselves with the aims and objectives, as well as the activities of SWAPO Party, can join through the pioneer wing of SWAPO Party Youth League.
(4) Membership of SWAPO Party Youth League shall thus consist of two groups; namely youth between the ages of 18 and 35, and pioneers between the ages of 6 and 17.
(5) SWAPO Party Youth League shall adopt its own Constitution governing its activities and administration, provided that such Constitution or amendment shall require the approval of the Congress of the party before becoming operative.
(B) SWAPO PARTY WOMEN’S COUNCI (SPWC)
(1) There shall be a SWAPO Party Women’s Council (SPWC);
(2) Membership of SWAPO Party Women’s Council shall be open to every woman who is of the age of 18 years and above;
(3) SWAPO PARTY Women’s Council shall adopt its own Constitution governing activities and administer that such constitution or amendment shall require the approval of the party before becoming operative.
SWAPO PARTY
Flag, Emblem, official Anthem and Motto
(A) SWAPO PARTY FLAG
The official flag of SWAPO Party consists of three colour in horizontal position.The upper colour shall be blue, the middle coulour shall be red and the lower shall be green.
The blue coulour shall represent the minerals and the wealth of Namibia as well as her long Atlantic coast which is rich of both minerals and other resources.
The red colour shall represent the precious blood of the Namibian people that have been shed in the struggle against colonialism, the struggle for nationhood, in general, and the victorious anti-colonial revolution in Africa.
The green colour shall represent the people, the land, the agricultural potentials and the vegetation of the country.
(B) THE EMBLEM
The emblem of SWAPO Party is a young man with a raised fist symbolizing the youthfulness and energy of our nation surging forward to social progress.
(C) MOTTO
The motto of SWAPO Party is Solidarity, Freedom and Justice.
(D) OFFICIAL ANTHEM
The Official Anthem of SWAPO PARTY IS “Alert Namibia”
