Inequality keeps getting uglier

The rich-poor gap is far worse in our country even if politicians keep arguing that it is narrowing. A new study has once again highlighted the high levels of inequality in our country, putting us as the third most unequal nation in the world. The United Nations Development Programme has also found that Namibia is the second most unequal country in Africa after South Africa. In fact, resource-rich southern Africa is considered as the most unequal region on the continent. Abject poverty and high unemployment still blight developing nations like Namibia. There is so much social instability and the inequality especially in rural areas is unacceptably high. For a nation that prides itself as a model for democracy where peace and stability is emphasised more than anything, we ought to do more to arrest this disconcerting trend. This entrenched inequality threatens our future and that of our children. The glaring inequality between the rich and poor is there for all to see. In fact, it is a gap that continues to widen, with many previously disadvantaged Namibians still living in squalor compared to a minor few. It is disappointing that in the heart of high inequality lies the inability to create job opportunities for Namibians at large, especially the youth, who continue to wallow in need each day. Even if it takes us years to solve the economic inequality, it is our moral obligation to take this country to greater heights. There must be equal education opportunities for all children regardless of family circumstances, race or gender. This must be coupled by human capital development particularly among the youth. Our social assistance programmes need to be strengthened as they are clearly not working. We can't claim to have lifted thousands of Namibians out of poverty, while we are not prioritising funding to the needy and all programmes associated with their plight. Instead millions are spent on unnecessary projects which only benefit a well-connected few. We must tackle and address the disparities between the haves and have-nots before the situation further deteriorates.