Independence without emancipation ‘a threat to security’

STAFF REPORTER

Windhoek

On a chaotic Independence Day littered with allegations of police abuse against protesting unemployed youth, President Hage Geingob outlined that independence without economic emancipation could breed threats to the country’s peace and security. Geingob made the remarks during his keynote address at the 33rd Independence Day celebrations at Outapi, some 800 kilometres from the chaos in Windhoek. This after police tried to disperse a peaceful but unauthorised demonstration in Katutura where unemployed youth demanded an end to their miseries.

Some of the demonstrators are graduates who have been sitting at home without jobs for years, with others alleging it has become extremely difficult to gain employment without ‘connections’ in the job market. Just last week during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the president himself said armies of unemployed youth could turn to ‘terrorism’ for survival.

“At this stage in our nation’s history, we are cognisant of the fact that independence alone - without economic emancipation - will threaten our hard-won peace and security,” Geingob told the about 15 000 people in attendance, including hordes of young people and children who graced the event for food.

“For this reason,” he continued, “I outlined, in my State of the Nation Address last Thursday, that we intend to move with lightning speed to capitalise on the myriad of economic endowments we possess in a coordinated manner, in recognition of the urgent need to create more new jobs”.

National revival

“However, for us to forge the road ahead, we must acknowledge the path that has led us to this very day, this very year, in which we commemorate 33 years of nationhood. It is this path that will inform us of potential dangers, threats and opportunities.”

Unemployment is currently estimated at 47%, with youth unemployment standing at a staggering 50%.

Appealing for patience while government attends to the crisis, Geingob said: “With this in mind, let us appreciate the important date of 21 March, for this day should remind us of the momentous occasion in 1989 when, for the first time, thousands of Namibians went to the polls and cast their vote for freedom and independence.

“That collective decision permanently and positively changed the lives of each and every Namibian,” he said.

“It is a day to look forward with hope and optimism and confidence of our national revival. It is a day to forget divisions and differences in order to bond with family, friends and community, under the single roof of our inclusive Namibian House.”

Underlining the resilience of his government, Geingob highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic was dealt with in the country.

“We live in an ever-changing world with numerous challenges as well as opportunities. Therefore, as we navigate our course towards prosperity and a better life for all, we must remain vigilant in order to circumvent the various obstacles that are ahead of us. Let us therefore take courage from our recent successes in curbing the onslaught of Covid-19 and adopt the tried and tested principles of unity and teamwork which have enabled us to prevail against all odds.”

Harambee spirit

“I have the utmost confidence that if we continue in the Harambee spirit, we will enjoy countless successes moving forward as a nation,” he said.

He added that the past three decades have seen the country winning on many fronts, a spirit which “must be maintained”.

“On this 33rd Independence Day, we are encouraged by the fact that we have made tremendous strides as a people and as a nation, enjoying peace and stability and development. With each step we take, we get closer to the realisation of our collective dreams and aspirations.”

This was the penultimate Independence Day celebration at which Geingob will speak as head of state, as his term ends in March 2025.