EDITORIAL: Consumptive reparation mindset worrying

The consumer behaviour that has engulfed the ongoing genocide reparation negotiations is highly disturbing. The fact that there are suggestions to pay such money into the pockets of individuals underscores why there are such frantic efforts to be closer to the table where this deal is being decided.It’s a thorny, sensitive subject. So emotive that nothing about it has created consensus among the intended beneficiaries. The debate has raged from the quantum to how to best spend the money when Germany eventually pays for her sins.The general, expected precept has been to invest into the affected communities – in a sustainable way that would restore, to whatever extent possible, the dignity of the descendants of the genocide victims. If the communities choose the path of consumption, no matter how measured, it is difficult to see how their dignity - in the form of regaining the lost land, infrastructure development and equipping their members with high-level skills - would be restored.The hand-to-mouth approach mooted by some might only deepen the suffering of the affected communities. Frankly, the money should be invested in ventures that would carry the descendants for generations. Buying onions and tobacco isn’t it. The idea that the elderly will ‘miss out’ of the benefits of these reparations if no money is directly put in their pockets is short-sighted. This is an intergenerational mission, just like German colonisation was. The imperial regime did not kill our people and take our land for their immediate sustenance. That’s why 110 years after they left, their descendants are still solid beneficiaries of that regime.

EDITORIAL: Consumptive reparation mindset worrying

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-31

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EDITORIAL: Consumptive reparation mindset worrying

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-31

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