Kapofi rejects calls to visit protesting veterans

Allexer Namundjembo

Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi says the grievances raised by liberation struggle veterans camping outside the Swapo Party headquarters do not fall within his ministerial mandate, rejecting calls to personally visit the protesters.

Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Kapofi said the group is not seeking assistance on matters related to veterans’ affairs but is instead raising issues beyond his responsibility.

“Those are the citizens of Namibia and former combatant fighters of the liberation struggle who are asking for other things outside my mandate. I have no business there,” Kapofi said.

He also dismissed suggestions by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Aloisius Kangulu that he should visit the veterans at their protest site.