Swartbooi slams ‘weak’ national budget

Bernadus Swartbooi, leader of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) this week said there is no evidence that government is distributing resources fairly. Making the comments in Parliament, he added that what is evident is that a corrupt network of elites captured the state for their own economic empowerment agenda.According to him, the national budget, tabled by the finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi, is “weak”, and means very little for the building of a strong and prosperous society.Delivering his budget statement, Swartbooi said even the state-funded Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), which gives loans for upliftment, treats its customers the same way commercial banks do, forcing them to pay their dues despite their hardships.“When will the black man and woman ever live a decent life? Under such conditions, the citizens under freedom and democracy can never access opportunities and build a different and better life for their children,” he said.Lack of state protectionThe LPM leader also raised concerns over the lack of state protection - through creative policy instruments for local businesses - to wave off the current headwinds and that would allow them to stabilise and expand their business portfolios and achieve some level of economies of scale.“The severe tax regime that does not exempt small- and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs] - including the cost when SMEs wish to access loans - is a valid and urgent concern for these business people.“Shockingly, yet unashamedly, Chinese tax evasion is not kept in check by the Namibia Revenue Agency, according to northern businesses,” he said.“Where is the class agenda? Where is the Namibian House political slogan? Or is this slogan only for elections, and thereafter [it’s] each one for himself? Is that it?” Swartbooi demanded.Failed miserablyThe politician said he believes the state is adequately resourced to create a new business and empowerment climate, but has failed miserably, and there is no indication that affairs will change.He pointed out that villages such as Onanke in the Oshikoto Region are said to be captured by Chinese businesses, where residents are offered monthly credit lines for basic commodities, trapping people into a perpetual serfdom.According to him, Indian businesses, having constructed the multimillion-dollar Rani Traders from Oshakati to Ondangwa and now owning several outlets in every region in the north, entered the market in 2002, and have squeezed Namibian nationals out of business in the wholesale and retail industry.jemima@namibiansun.com

Swartbooi slams ‘weak’ national budget

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Swartbooi slams ‘weak’ national budget

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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