Windhoek: Herbert Diergaardt and Andrew Matjila Jr., offspring of notable Namibian politicians, are stepping into the political arena as candidates for the Republican Party of Namibia, gearing up for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for November 27, 2024. Both are positioned on the party’s candidate list, with Matjila and Diergaardt ranking 15th and 16th, respectively.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Republican Party of Namibia’s President, Henk Mudge, officially introduced Diergaardt, Matjila, and other candidates during a press event on Monday. Andrew Matjila Jr., the son of veteran politician Andrew Matjila Sr., one of the Constituent Assembly’s inaugural members, expressed his longstanding interest in politics influenced profoundly by his father’s career. Andrew Sr. had a significant role in Namibia’s political landscape, notably as a member of the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance before its evolution into the Popular Democratic Movement.
Andrew Jr., an entrepreneur by
profession, highlighted his focus on critical issues such as youth unemployment, education, and housing. He expressed his desire to continue his father’s legacy of timely and effective public service, particularly noted during his tenure as Minister of Education and Central Personnel in the transitional government from 1985 to 1989.
Herbert Diergaardt, ranking closely behind Matjila on the party list, also cited familial influence as a primary motivation for his political involvement. His father, Reggie Diergaardt, a seasoned politician and current member of the National Assembly for the Popular Democratic Movement, previously held deputy ministerial roles in trade, industry, youth, and sports under the Swapo Party government in the early 1990s. Emphasizing his father’s integrity and dedication to public service, Herbert underscored the importance of leadership focused on communal well-being rather than personal gain.
Both candidates emphasized their commitment to addressing national concerns and upholding
their fathers’ legacies, aiming to contribute positively to Namibia’s political and social landscape.
