The South West Africa National Union (SWANU) is the oldest political party in Namibia, formed in 1959. The most of its members came from the Herero people, while fellow independence movement SWAPO was mostly an Ovambo party. The party's President is Usutuaije Maamberua.[1]
The first President of SWANU was Fanuel Kozonguizi, who led from its formation in 1959 until 1966. Rihupisa Justus Kandando was the President prior to Maamberua.[2]
For 1999 elections it formed a “Socialist Alliance” with the Workers’ Revolutionary Party and got 0.35% of the vote.
In the 2004 elections it finished last with 3,610 votes and 0.44% of the vote.[3]
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SWANU continues to be a radical Socialist and Nationalist party.[4][5]
In January 2009, SWANU condemned Israel for their actions during the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict. Calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal from the Palestinian territories, the party called for the severing of Namibian trade and diplomatic relations with Israel.[6]
On the issue of land reform, SWANU advocated for state intervention in order to bring about reform quicker. It also criticized the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement for allegedly resettling politicians on land acquired for redistribution instead of the 'poorest of the poor'. It also called for greater political will for land reform.[7]