Rundu: Elifas Dingara, a long-serving member of Namibia’s National Assembly and a key figure in the Swapo Party, has formally stepped down from parliamentary duties, marking the end of a 14-year political career. Dingara, who has represented the Kavango East Region, announced his decision to leave the legislature to pursue a career in agriculture, emphasizing his belief in ‘practical nation-building’ through farming and food security.

From Politics to Farming

Dingara delivered his final speech in the National Assembly on Tuesday, explaining that his departure is not an act of disillusionment but a shift in how he intends to serve his country. ‘I am not leaving because I am done serving the people. I am leaving because I believe service can take many forms,’ he said, adding that he plans to demonstrate ‘practical nation building, creating value, supporting food security and contributing to economic transformation beyond political debate.’

The decision comes after a political career that began in the 2010 elections when Dingara was first elected to the National Assembly on the ticket of the National Union of Namibian Workers, an affiliate of the ruling Swapo Party. He has since served as president of the Namibia Public Workers Union and has been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and economic justice.

A Legacy of Public Service

Dingara described his time in government as a journey that began in his rural village in the Kavango East Region, where he herded cattle and later became involved in trade union meetings and political mobilisation. He credited these early experiences with shaping his commitment to Swapo, rural communities, and public service.

‘Government must save the people, not the other way around,’ Dingara said during his farewell address. He highlighted his work in various ministries, including contributions to the development of human resource systems, decentralisation frameworks, training programs, and governance manuals that continue to guide public administration today.

Dingara also defended his 2023 motion proposing that every Namibian be given N$1 million to alleviate poverty. ‘This was not a slogan. It was a structured socio-economic proposal grounded in economic principles,’ he said. ‘Namibia is rich, yet many Namibians remain poor. The difficult questions raised were not weaknesses. They were invitations to refine and build consensus.’

Parliament Needs Courageous Thinking

Dingara emphasized the need for Parliament to remain a space for bold ideas, stating, ‘Without courageous thinking, nations stagnate.’ He left his parliamentary seat ‘without regret and without bitterness,’ adding that leadership involves ‘knowing when to pass the baton with dignity.’

Despite stepping down from active parliamentary service, Dingara confirmed he will remain an active member of the Swapo Party and continue to engage in political discourse. His move to the agricultural sector is seen as a strategic shift to address long-standing challenges in food security and rural development in Namibia.

According to recent government statistics, Namibia imports over 70% of its food, despite having vast arable land. Dingara’s new focus is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the agricultural sector, which has been a growing concern for both policymakers and citizens.

His decision also comes at a time when the country is grappling with high unemployment and economic inequality. By focusing on agriculture, Dingara aims to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the broader economic transformation that has long been a priority for the government.

The transition from politics to farming is not without challenges, but Dingara remains optimistic. ‘I believe in the power of the land and the potential of our people,’ he said in his final address. ‘Through agriculture, I intend to show that service can take many forms and that the nation can be built in many ways.’