Stop blaming past events for Namibia's challenges: Benson

NAMPAWINDHOEKIt is high time that leaders stop blaming the outside world, the apartheid era, wars and other past events for the country’s social challenges and economic downfall.This was said by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency, Deriou Benson, in the National Council on Thursday.“We can no longer govern while in denial of our true responsibilities to the nation based on their constitutional rights.“The shameless neglect, as well as the absence of visionary leadership with regards to the economical pillars of our economy such as mining, fisheries, agriculture, tourism and human capital, has led to the deterioration of a once healthy economic climate that existed in Namibia,” he said.He added that it is the current leaders’ responsibility to govern and make sure every Namibian citizen benefits from the country’s resources and should make room for private entrepreneurs, community enterprises, cooperatives, companies with shareholder capital and international companies.Mixed economyNamibia is best served by a mixed economy open to innovation and entrepreneurial skills while benefiting from the expertise and knowledge that accompany successful large companies, he added, noting that finding the right mix is the challenge.Benson, who is one of the youngest leaders elected in the 2020 local authority elections, said the youth can no longer be excluded from the possibilities of learning how to govern a nation.“I, therefore, urge all young people to find a political home and actively participate in the political affairs of our nation and in so doing hone your skills to become efficient leaders in the future governing of our nation,” he said.He went on to urge the government not to hold back in investing in the development of the youth as future leaders as youth are the labour force and the backbone of the country’s economy.“Taking into consideration that we are a young and fast-growing nation, takes me to one of our biggest challenges in Namibia which is the provision of housing and this should be at the top of our priority list,” he said.

Stop blaming past events for Namibia's challenges: Benson

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-17

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Stop blaming past events for Namibia's challenges: Benson

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-17

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