SWAPO sources inside Namibia have predicted stepped-up police activity to suppress opposition to the Turnhalle constitutional talks as the date for the installation of an "interim government" draws nearer. Since the Turnhalle Constitutional Committee adjourned at the beginning of December to consider proposals for a Namibian constitution, the eleven tribal delegations to the talks have been circulating "membership cards." The purpose, according to delegates themselves, is to show what percentage of the population "support" the Turnhalle, and, de facto, disassociate themselves for SWAPO. Each delegation has a book in which the name of the taker of the card is written, and each card has the words "we accept a peaceful solution as envisaged by the Turnhalle" printed inside. There is evidence of the use of bribery and intimidation to persuade Namibians to accept the cards.
Turnhalle delegates themselves have said that possession of a card would "facilitate a certain amount of freedom of movement", and have "advised" people to take them. According to the leader of the National Independence Party, Mr. Charlie Hartung, "dirty methods and blackmail" have been used by "certain agents" to get rid of the cards. He said that old age pensioners had been told that unless they were in possession of cards, pensions would not be paid. There had also been offers of free travel to Windhoek and hotel accommodation at the State's expense during visits to the Turnhalle, he alleged.
In Ovamboland, a similar kind of card is being sold at 50 cents a time to indicate membership of a new political party, the National Democratic Party, set up by the Ovamboland Chief Minister, Pastor Cornelius Ndjoba. Radio Ovambo has warned that anyone without a card is likely to be taken for a SWAPO supporter. Many SWAPO members and supporters in the northern region are believed to be detained incommunicado in prison camps set up by the South African security forces at Oshikati and Enana.
