EVELINE !Nawases-Taeyele credits her sharp political skills to her late father who introduced her to politics at a very young age. This was the launch pad for a stellar career in politics. But it was also her drive and determination that took her from the dusty streets of Leonardville outside Gobabis to political excellence in Parliament where she currently serves as Swapo Party Chief Whip. Eveline in an interview tells Confidente about being the first woman to serve as Chief Whip, her duties and spending some quality time with her loved one’s when away from the hustles of office life.
Give us a snapshot of who you are?
I am married with two kids. I was born and raised in a small village called Leonardville. I would describe myself as a very ambitious, hardworking and sincere person. I am enthusiastic about taking up new challenges in life. Friendly and joyful is what my friends and colleagues would describe me as. In my position, I believe in using my political office to effect change. I also try my utmost best to be collected and fair when I take decisions and to bring about change in others’ lives. I strongly believe in, and I’m very passionate about empowering women and the youth.
Briefly tell us about your upbringing
I was raised in Leonardville by both my parents. Leonardville is a small community about 138km outside Gobabis. As a child this small community gave us the chance to play all sports, sing in music contests and in church and attend every event held. We attended Sunday school at ELCN (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Namibia) every week. I was also baptised at the same church. Thus a strong religious background was instilled in me at a very young age. We learnt the importance of family, love, and helping our neighbours. Within a few miles our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all lived. Growing up in the dusty streets and fairly poor community was not easy but I would not change a thing in my childhood. Surrounded by an amazing loving family, we had little money but I never wanted for anything. The love of my parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the community was all I needed to prepare me for my life ahead. My family and upbringing has been my strong foundation for my life and I continue to receive support from my family members today.
What triggered your interest in politics?
My political career started at a very tender age. My father was very instrumental in grooming me to be politically conscience as a young child. No wonder, immediately after independence he became the first Chairperson of the Leonardville Village Council. I remember exactly how inspired I felt. Both my parents were much respected personalities in their own right and by the communities they served as leaders. I remember my father always told us stories about his time as a community leader. Unfortunately, he could not enjoy the fruits of his hard work as he passed on too early. His work as a leader in our community, inspired me so much, that I decided to follow in my father’s footsteps.
What are highlights of your political career you are most proud of?
I am most proud of being here as Chief Whip, staying here and the legacy I wish to leave while I am here. Being elected as Chief Whip is such an honour as I am the first female and youngest politician to hold this position. It is also a true testimony of the party’s trust in me as an individual and in my leadership abilities. I am likewise exhilarated at the thought that I am following in the footsteps of gallant leaders, the likes of Prof. Katjavivi, His Excellency, Dr. H. Geingob, veteran politicians Ben Amathila and Hans Boois. I am proud to say that hopefully in five years from now, there will be someone here who is able to push on because they remember my efforts.
As Swapo Chief Whip, what does your job entail?
The primary role of the Chief Whip is to get the Government’s business through the Assembly, and in particular to secure the Government’s majority in votes on its legislative and policy programs. The Government Chief Whip is responsible working with the line Minister for timetabling and securing the passage of measures through the Assembly and working to successfully completing the Government’s legislative programme. The Government Whip’s main tools in achieving this are the management of quorum in terms of attendance to maximise votes and the persuasion of members to vote with the government. The Chief Whip not only operates as an important link between the government and the parliamentary party, they also provide a link between the government and the opposition parties and other important figures in the parliamentary system and the presiding office within the Assembly.
- Attends regular weekly Parliamentary Standing Committee meetings;
- Attends regular meetings of the key figures to discuss the arrangements of business at the Assembly;
- Is the daily contact among the key figures to deal with on-going matters, agenda and timetabling issues;
- Key during the passage of legislation and other government business, discussions between the whips on both sides;
- Makes contact between the whips over various matters, such as filling intermittent vacancies on committees.
What is a typical day like for you?
I have yet to experience a typical day in the life of a chief whip. One of things that I like about this job and one of the reasons I love it is that no two days are ever the same and just about anything can happen in the course of a day. I will have moments where I’ll be quietly getting on with my office work and someone sticks their head round the door and says “May I quickly see you?” and that conversation might just change the rest of my day. We have to respond to whatever the political circumstances of the day produce.
Some say a majority of women in Parliament are afraid to express themselves? Do you agree and what could be the set-back?
I agree. Women around the world at every socio-political level find themselves underrepresented in parliament and far removed from decision-making levels. The factors that hamper or facilitate women’s political participation vary with level of socio-economic development, geography, culture, and the type of political system. The low level of women’s representation in some parliaments should be considered a violation of women’s fundamental democratic right and, as such, a violation of their basic human rights as they were not given the same opportunity and exposure as their fellow male counterparts. On the contrary, in Namibia, the 2014 elections demonstrated a significant increase in the number of women elected to the National Assembly. We are fast approaching our goal of balanced gender representation in Parliament. The current female representation in our Parliament is 43 women to 56 men.
What has life taught you that you wish to share with others?
Always but always give thanks to God for all the blessings you do have. You have the opportunity to change the world. Seize it.
Just what do you do for a little fun?
I am extremely passionate about spending time with my family and farming. I enjoy it very much. We spend most of our free time on our farm. It is our getaway place. I also enjoy surrounding myself with people who can add value to my life and vice versa. We always learn from one another and share common passions and interests.