EDITORIAL: Watch South Africa closely

South Africa is at a tipping point, something Namibia, as a tiny neighbour, must watch closely. Systemic political corruption in which private interests have significantly influenced the state's decision-making processes for nefarious ends is now threatening the very existence of the state.



To us, president Cyril Ramaphosa has done a sterling job. When he demands full accountability from those who looted the nation’s resources, he is met with resistance that has tribal and racist undertones.

Whataboutism has met each of his efforts – which his corrupt opponents often asking why, for example, former president Jacob Zuma is being held accountable for his actions while architects of apartheid are roaming the streets freely. The comparison is neither here nor there.

Namibia faces similar undertones, but perhaps at a lower volume. Those who speak out against corruption and the chronic abuse of powerful positions are often alienated and painted as enemies against the gains of independence.

In fact, even in the infamous Fishrot debacle, the accused looters tried to hoodwink us into thinking that they were mere victims of political infights. This, even when a trail of thievery is traced to their bank accounts.

Lack of accountability is why the majority of African states failed. So-called leaders enjoy immunity amid grand-scale theft and those who dare question things are eliminated in all manners necessary, including arbitrary killings.