Let the census shape political priorities - Angula
Former prime minister Nahas Angula has urged politicians seeking public office to base their campaigns on data from the national census rather than making unrealistic promises or preaching political rhetoric.
The Swapo veteran also cautioned against campaign strategies that rely on character assassination of opposition candidates or the leaders of their respective parties.
In an interview with Namibian Sun recently, Angula said political leaders should instead focus on addressing the “bread and butter” issues affecting communities, as reflected in the census findings.
“The census report is a very important document. It contains information relating to every community," Angula explained.
"People in rural areas need electricity to charge their phones, not only roads. We have constructed a lot of roads over the years, but now the focus should be on the immediate needs people want addressed," he remarked.
Building on progress
Angula said those seeking to lead must build on the foundations laid by previous administrations while addressing emerging needs, particularly in rural areas.
“Those aspiring to lead communities need to continue where we left off and change the lives of the people, especially in rural areas where people don’t have basic things like a pit latrine," he said.
He added: "Nowadays there are many technologies; people need solar panels so that they can charge their mobile phones, but I don’t see any initiative. We should look at the quality of life of people now.”
Improving lives
He stressed that it was vital to improve the lives of “real people”, particularly those living in rural Namibia.
He underlined that the census data offers vital insights into access to water and electricity, the living conditions of the elderly, and other key indicators that serve as a blueprint for where assistance is most needed.
“Hence, I say the census is out there with data that needs to be used to change people’s lives,” he said.
“We have too many elderly people living alone in the villages. What is stopping us from training young people to care for them? After all, they too are voters,” he added.
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The Swapo veteran also cautioned against campaign strategies that rely on character assassination of opposition candidates or the leaders of their respective parties.
In an interview with Namibian Sun recently, Angula said political leaders should instead focus on addressing the “bread and butter” issues affecting communities, as reflected in the census findings.
“The census report is a very important document. It contains information relating to every community," Angula explained.
"People in rural areas need electricity to charge their phones, not only roads. We have constructed a lot of roads over the years, but now the focus should be on the immediate needs people want addressed," he remarked.
Building on progress
Angula said those seeking to lead must build on the foundations laid by previous administrations while addressing emerging needs, particularly in rural areas.
“Those aspiring to lead communities need to continue where we left off and change the lives of the people, especially in rural areas where people don’t have basic things like a pit latrine," he said.
He added: "Nowadays there are many technologies; people need solar panels so that they can charge their mobile phones, but I don’t see any initiative. We should look at the quality of life of people now.”
Improving lives
He stressed that it was vital to improve the lives of “real people”, particularly those living in rural Namibia.
He underlined that the census data offers vital insights into access to water and electricity, the living conditions of the elderly, and other key indicators that serve as a blueprint for where assistance is most needed.
“Hence, I say the census is out there with data that needs to be used to change people’s lives,” he said.
“We have too many elderly people living alone in the villages. What is stopping us from training young people to care for them? After all, they too are voters,” he added.
[email protected]
#namibiadecides2025
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