Hardap governor Riaan McNab has responded to criticism from Landless People’s Movement councillor Ivan Skrywer over his online comments. McNab had called for LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi to return to Swapo on social media. Skrywer accused McNab of incompetence and lacking vision. McNab defended his comments, stating that Facebook is a private platform where he can express himself as a Namibian citizen.
Skrywer had questioned McNab’s priorities, saying the region needed investment and opportunities for young people instead of political exchanges online. He accused McNab of using social media for political propaganda. McNab countered that freedom of speech is not exclusive to any political party, but belongs to all Namibians. He advised the LPM to recognize this and contribute constructively to nation building.
McNab also defended his administration’s record in the Hardap region. He claimed that the region is “far better off” than it was under the previous LPM administration. McNab challenged his critics to compare the region’s 2026 state of the region address with the LPM administration’s 2025 address. This, he said, would demonstrate the progress made under his leadership.
The exchange between McNab and Skrywer follows McNab’s recent social media post featuring Swartbooi dancing. In the post, McNab described Swartbooi as his “honourable former deputy minister of lands” and “intelligent brother”. McNab called on Swartbooi to apologize and return to Swapo, stating that he had no doubt Swartbooi’s “blood is Swapo”.
Skrywer had accused McNab of incompetence and lacking vision, saying “Governor McNab is incompetent and lacks vision put in one skull”. McNab responded by saying that he would continue to engage with the public on social media as a Namibian citizen. He emphasized that his online presence was separate from his role as governor.
McNab urged the LPM to move away from political confrontation and work towards the development of the region. He stated that his advice to the LPM was to “build bridges and contribute constructively to nation building”. This, he believed, would benefit the people of the Hardap region.
The public exchange between McNab and Skrywer highlights the ongoing tensions between the Swapo and LPM parties in Namibia. The two parties have differing views on governance and development, which often play out in the public domain. The situation in the Hardap region will likely continue to be monitored by stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- Hardap governor Riaan McNab defends online call for LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi to return to Swapo.
- McNab and LPM councillor Ivan Skrywer engage in public spat over governance and development in Hardap region.
- McNab urges LPM to move away from confrontation and contribute to region’s development.
