mbulelo smpofu
Chronicle Writer
The recent election victory of Swapo (South West Africa People’s Organisation) in Namibia can be interpreted as a sign of resilience and continuity for liberation movements, reinforcing their role in the political landscape of the region where their struggle and solidarity remain a powerful example of co-operation in the face of oppression.
There has been an onslaught on liberation movements over the past few years through Western-backed media and opposition parties, and most recently ridiculous allegations that Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF has been meddling in elections in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia to ensure the victory of sister political parties.
Peddlers of these claims have taken to social and mainstream media where they have gone as far as alleging that Zanu-PF supporters voted in the Mozambican elections in order to fuel post-election violence.
Zanu-PF has since dismissed as malicious, media reports claiming that it had a hand in electoral outcomes in South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana.
As a liberation movement, Swapo’s success can be seen as a reaffirmation of the historical ties and shared struggles of the Frontline States, which include countries like Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
These nations have a legacy of supporting each other during their respective liberation struggles against colonial and apartheid regimes.
In recent years, liberation movements in Southern Africa have faced various challenges, including Western-sponsored political opposition, economic sabotage, illegal economic sanctions, and an influx of pro-West non-governmental organisations and pressure groups.
In his congratulatory message to Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Southern African Development Community (SADC) chair President Mnangagwa described her victory and ascension to the leadership position as a testament to the Namibian people’s confidence in her to safeguard the liberation heritage.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and my behalf, I wish to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your historic election as the President of the Republic of Namibia.
“Your victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence that the people of Namibia have in your leadership to safeguard the liberation heritage and bring about socio-economic transformation in Namibia.
“As you assume your new role, I am confident that the excellent relations between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead. I take this opportunity to assure you of Zimbabwe’s commitment and readiness to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation with Namibia for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” President Mnangagwa said.
Commenting on Swapo’s victory, Zanu-PF director of Information and Publicity Cde Farai Marapira said the victory of President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah underscores the faith not only the people of Namibia but most African countries that have in liberation movements such as Swapo.
“We find the Swapo victory exciting and invigorating. This just goes to show that liberation movements are at the heart of the people despite the influence of colonialists, who are trying to encourage disparity in liberated and independent countries. People are happy and the victory is a sure sign that no amount of influence can change the minds of the masses.
“The very same people who kept us under colonial rule and compared us to dogs want to bring a change, which will facilitate their control over us. And as liberation parties we are steadfast in ensuring that we protect the will and interests of the nations,” said Cde Marapira.
The Frontline States were a coalition of African countries that played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid and colonial rule in Southern Africa. This group, active from the 1960s to the early 1990s, was instrumental in supporting liberation movements and fostering regional cooperation.
The Frontline States initially included Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana, with Angola and Mozambique joining in 1975 after gaining independence from Portuguese colonial rule. Zimbabwe became a member in 1980 following its liberation from white minority rule. These countries shared a common goal: to end apartheid in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) and to support liberation movements in the region.
The legacy of the Frontline States lives on in the continued cooperation among Southern African countries through organisations like SADC, which succeeded SADCC.
SADC’s call for the removal of illegal American sanctions on Zimbabwe has made liberation movements unpopular with the West, hence the laughable claims that Zanu-PF has been interfering in elections in the region.
