Namibia’s promise vs. Namibia’s reality
SAPIENS WRITES:
All political parties in the National Assembly parade reasonable manifestos and fine intentions — a mix of promises and, too often, lip service.
Yet, after 35 years in power, half the electorate still grapples with poverty. The much-touted promise of socio-economic liberation remains distant, while Vision 2030’s ideals of peace, security, and prosperity drift further into mirage.
Meanwhile, those in leading positions live comfortably. Instead of honouring their contract with the voters, many look after themselves first, thriving on networks of loyalty, patronage, and entitlement. In Namibia today, it is less about what you know than who you know.
The National Assembly should be the mirror of the people’s hopes. Every citizen must be enabled to contribute in a genuine partnership — a democracy by, for, and with the people.
Namibia, blessed with vast natural resources and a small population, has no excuse for widespread poverty. With oil, gas, and green energy prospects on the horizon, prosperity is possible if wealth is well managed and fairly shared.
We share this land, we all belong here. Let us embrace peace and harmony as the foundations of progress. Everybody matters. Let us live the virtues of Ubuntu and Harambee — not as slogans, but as daily practice for a better future.
Instead of blaming yesterday, let us look forward. Think not only of what your country can do for you, but of what we can together do for our country — in partnership, with will and ability. Yes, we can.
The power of the vote is the people’s mandate. It must be used to serve the public good.
A luta continua.
All political parties in the National Assembly parade reasonable manifestos and fine intentions — a mix of promises and, too often, lip service.
Yet, after 35 years in power, half the electorate still grapples with poverty. The much-touted promise of socio-economic liberation remains distant, while Vision 2030’s ideals of peace, security, and prosperity drift further into mirage.
Meanwhile, those in leading positions live comfortably. Instead of honouring their contract with the voters, many look after themselves first, thriving on networks of loyalty, patronage, and entitlement. In Namibia today, it is less about what you know than who you know.
The National Assembly should be the mirror of the people’s hopes. Every citizen must be enabled to contribute in a genuine partnership — a democracy by, for, and with the people.
Namibia, blessed with vast natural resources and a small population, has no excuse for widespread poverty. With oil, gas, and green energy prospects on the horizon, prosperity is possible if wealth is well managed and fairly shared.
We share this land, we all belong here. Let us embrace peace and harmony as the foundations of progress. Everybody matters. Let us live the virtues of Ubuntu and Harambee — not as slogans, but as daily practice for a better future.
Instead of blaming yesterday, let us look forward. Think not only of what your country can do for you, but of what we can together do for our country — in partnership, with will and ability. Yes, we can.
The power of the vote is the people’s mandate. It must be used to serve the public good.
A luta continua.
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