Corruption is sabotage
The head of state says he will not allow those who propagate “the divisive Bantustan mentality of the past”, to gain a foothold in Namibian society.
President Hage Geingob has urged all Namibians to actively participate in bringing about genuine change and structural transformation within the country's economy.
Speaking yesterday at the country's 28th independence celebrations held at the copper town of Tsumeb, Geingob also said it was “disheartening to note that allegations and perceptions of corruption continue to taint our government”.
“This has led to the public losing faith and confidence in a few government ministries and agencies. We cannot allow corruption to sabotage 28 years of progress. Corruption undermines stability and social cohesion,” he said.
He also spoke out against those wanting to propagate “the divisive Bantustan mentality of the past”.
“We either embrace unity in order to move forward as a nation, or we choose division, pouring scorn on the memory of the brave sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We have to choose unity.”
Geingob said the road to prosperity would require unified efforts and commitment spurred on by patriotism.
“We must stand together, united for the love of Namibia. Finger-pointing, playing the blame game or passing the buck should be avoided.
Let us therefore hold hands and place national interest and the pursuit of shared prosperity above self-interest.”
The head of state said in “this year of reckoning, we should guard against the existence of silo mentalities across government ministries, agencies and offices and the overall lack of cooperation and coordination between officials. We must equally guard against tribalism and racism”.
“We should therefore all mobilise around the goals of tackling inequality and unemployment which have been derived from the fact that our economic growth has neither been sufficiently inclusive nor is generating enough jobs.”
The president added that of late, it has been upsetting to note the frequency of reports of violent crime, mainly aimed at the most vulnerable members of society.
“I direct our security services to ensure that the safety and security of the people of Namibia, as well as that of our friends and visitors is guaranteed.”
He said Namibians have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to.
“For 28 years we have remained resolute in upholding the values of unity and peace. We are now at a pivotal point in our nation's history. The road ahead is filled with countless opportunities for Namibians to establish themselves as a people of character, a people of purpose, and a people with a shared destiny.”
Geingob said one of the primary objectives of this government has been to address the scourge of poverty.
“We still have many mountains to climb and frontiers of possibility to pursue. I have no doubt that if we pull together as one and adopt a unified approach towards achieving our national aspirations; it will not be long before we accomplish the goal of shared prosperity,” Geingob said.
Economic headwinds
Geingob said government would have loved to sustain a higher rate of progress and implementation.
“But we had to contend with independent intervening variables beyond our control. The past four years have been fraught with 'headwinds', brought about by a global economic downturn.
“This 'perfect storm' as some have termed it has had a direct impact on our economy and revenue base.
“We are aware that some of the necessary interventions have hurt small businesses and led to job losses. This is why as government we are encouraging small and medium enterprises to diversify their business portfolio,” the president added.
He also acknowledged the critical role played by his predecessors, founding president Sam Nujoma and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Yesterday was a joyful independence celebration that saw people from all walks of life represented.
Politicians, business personalities, religious leaders and many influential people were in attendance.
Highlights included wonderful musical and cultural performances, which put the audience in the mood.
However, some youth, when questioned, said they do not see the relevance of the day and were more concerned about what they would be eating for lunch.
They also expressed their dissatisfaction with the organisers, saying they were dehydrated after receiving only one bottle of water throughout the over seven-hour long event.
“I just want to eat. I did not understand what my president was saying because I did not concentrate. I was just thinking about when he will finish his speech. I have been sitting here since 07:00 and I only received one bottle of water,” a young girl said.
Others were happy to be part of the celebrations.
“It was an honour to have been addressed live by the president, as well as seeing our other leaders. It is not every day you see all the former presidents at one event,” a young lady said, while dancing.
Corruption is sabotage - Geingob
Speaking yesterday at the country's 28th independence celebrations held at the copper town of Tsumeb, Geingob also said it was “disheartening to note that allegations and perceptions of corruption continue to taint our government”.
“This has led to the public losing faith and confidence in a few government ministries and agencies. We cannot allow corruption to sabotage 28 years of progress. Corruption undermines stability and social cohesion,” he said.
He also spoke out against those wanting to propagate “the divisive Bantustan mentality of the past”.
“We either embrace unity in order to move forward as a nation, or we choose division, pouring scorn on the memory of the brave sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We have to choose unity.”
Geingob said the road to prosperity would require unified efforts and commitment spurred on by patriotism.
“We must stand together, united for the love of Namibia. Finger-pointing, playing the blame game or passing the buck should be avoided.
Let us therefore hold hands and place national interest and the pursuit of shared prosperity above self-interest.”
The head of state said in “this year of reckoning, we should guard against the existence of silo mentalities across government ministries, agencies and offices and the overall lack of cooperation and coordination between officials. We must equally guard against tribalism and racism”.
“We should therefore all mobilise around the goals of tackling inequality and unemployment which have been derived from the fact that our economic growth has neither been sufficiently inclusive nor is generating enough jobs.”
The president added that of late, it has been upsetting to note the frequency of reports of violent crime, mainly aimed at the most vulnerable members of society.
“I direct our security services to ensure that the safety and security of the people of Namibia, as well as that of our friends and visitors is guaranteed.”
He said Namibians have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to.
“For 28 years we have remained resolute in upholding the values of unity and peace. We are now at a pivotal point in our nation's history. The road ahead is filled with countless opportunities for Namibians to establish themselves as a people of character, a people of purpose, and a people with a shared destiny.”
Geingob said one of the primary objectives of this government has been to address the scourge of poverty.
“We still have many mountains to climb and frontiers of possibility to pursue. I have no doubt that if we pull together as one and adopt a unified approach towards achieving our national aspirations; it will not be long before we accomplish the goal of shared prosperity,” Geingob said.
Economic headwinds
Geingob said government would have loved to sustain a higher rate of progress and implementation.
“But we had to contend with independent intervening variables beyond our control. The past four years have been fraught with 'headwinds', brought about by a global economic downturn.
“This 'perfect storm' as some have termed it has had a direct impact on our economy and revenue base.
“We are aware that some of the necessary interventions have hurt small businesses and led to job losses. This is why as government we are encouraging small and medium enterprises to diversify their business portfolio,” the president added.
He also acknowledged the critical role played by his predecessors, founding president Sam Nujoma and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Yesterday was a joyful independence celebration that saw people from all walks of life represented.
Politicians, business personalities, religious leaders and many influential people were in attendance.
Highlights included wonderful musical and cultural performances, which put the audience in the mood.
However, some youth, when questioned, said they do not see the relevance of the day and were more concerned about what they would be eating for lunch.
They also expressed their dissatisfaction with the organisers, saying they were dehydrated after receiving only one bottle of water throughout the over seven-hour long event.
“I just want to eat. I did not understand what my president was saying because I did not concentrate. I was just thinking about when he will finish his speech. I have been sitting here since 07:00 and I only received one bottle of water,” a young girl said.
Others were happy to be part of the celebrations.
“It was an honour to have been addressed live by the president, as well as seeing our other leaders. It is not every day you see all the former presidents at one event,” a young lady said, while dancing.
Corruption is sabotage - Geingob
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