Root out the rot

It has been a while now that we have considered the presence of the Chinese underworld, the triads, in Namibia. Things are simply too odd, too unapparent and there are far too many high-profile Chinese personalities and businesspeople visiting our tiny, and seemingly insignificant, corner of the world.



While we are not surprised, we are still shaken to the core by these revelations. And we should all be very concerned indeed.



Clearly, corruption in Namibia is now systemic. Deeply rooted within the body of government and its agencies. It has sprung roots and is flowering.



It is no wonder then, that nothing ever happens and as was the case with the ongoing logging in the Zambezi, a meeting was. A meeting. That is all.



One must ask the question then, who stands to benefit? Why are authorities not dealing with the ongoing issue of our Chinese guests involved in fraud and poaching and other wildlife crimes? Why are millionaires appearing in the magistrate's courts of our little country?



Something is rotten in Denmark and as far as we can surmise, Namibia's checks and balances, if there was ever a system to begin with, have been altered.



Someone in power somewhere, knows something but will not speak. For such is our political and civil service structure that the lining of the back pocket takes firm precedence over the Namibia our children will inherit.



The inaction, the silence and the continued hosting of these foreign nationals, raises more than eyebrows. The hair on the back of our necks is standing up.



We cannot have international syndicates operational in this country. Much less so if there are high-level authorities involved and getting paid for their silence.



We are so quick to refer to the sacrifices of the liberation struggle. So quick to talk about freedom for Namibia and how blood was shed for us to determine our own way, our own futures.



Is this what that struggle was for? To sell out our precious wood, animals, donkey hides and later, surely diamonds too, through underworld syndicates?



As we do with industry protection, it is time that we shut our borders and start taking care of our own.



Root out the rot and deport it or lock it up in jail, throwing away the key.