As Namibia contends with pressing issues like unemployment and inequality, one crucial question emerges; how can we shape our future without engaging in the political process?
Politics is often misunderstood and viewed merely as a struggle for power or the domain of a select few. Many people frequently assert, “Politics is a dirty game, I do not want to involve myself in it.” However, at its core, politics is the art of governing and making collective decisions that shape the future of a nation.
In her seminal work, ‘The Human Condition’ (1958), political theorist Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) defined politics as the realm of human activity where individuals come together in public spaces to engage in dialogue, deliberation, and collective decision-making. Arendt emphasised that politics is not just about power but about active participation in the public sphere to shape and influence society. Similarly, David Easton (1917-2014) described politics as “the authoritative allocation of values for a society,” highlighting the decision-making processes that determine how resources and benefits are distributed among individuals and groups.
Given Namibia’s significant socio-economic challenges, the importance of politics in driving sustainable development and nation-building cannot be overstated. To appreciate the role of politics fully, we must go beyond surface-level perceptions and recognise its profound influence on the fabric of our society.
Politics as governance
Nation-building refers to the process through which the state cultivates a shared sense of identity, purpose, and responsibility among its citizens. It involves creating political and legal institutions while fostering social cohesion, economic development, and national unity. Politics is central to this process, as it provides the framework within which laws are made, public resources are allocated, and national priorities are set.
In the Namibian context, politics has played an instrumental role in the country’s journey from colonial rule to independence. The political struggle for liberation, led by the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), marked a pivotal moment in our history. This political mobilisation laid the foundation for the democratic structures we have today.
The crafting of the Namibian Constitution (1990) was itself a political act, symbolising the shift from oppression to self-governance. Thus, politics provided the platform for our transition to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
However, the nation-building process does not end with independence; it is an ongoing journey requiring active political engagement at all levels of society. Politics determines how resources are distributed, how justice is administered, and how opportunities are created for all citizens, regardless of their background. Without effective and inclusive political participation, nation-building becomes impossible.
Political participation
Active participation in the political process is one of the most important aspects of nation-building. In a democracy like Namibia, politics is not the exclusive domain of elected officials or political elites; it is the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to collective decision-making through voting, civil discourse, and public service. Article 1 of the Namibian Constitution establishes Namibia as a sovereign, democratic state, while Article 17 affirms that every citizen has the right to participate in public affairs and vote in genuine elections.
Moreover, Namibia’s Decentralisation Policy (1997), the Regional Councils Act (Act 22 of 1992), and the Local Authorities Act (Act 23 of 1992), as amended, provide a legislative framework for citizen participation at local governance levels. These laws promote local decision-making and encourage public input on matters affecting communities, thus enhancing democracy and accountability. Despite these provisions, the Varieties of Democracy (2022) indicates a concerning decline in Namibia’s democracy, with the latest value being 0.381 index points, down from 0.383 in 2021.
The decline is particularly troubling given the decreasing voter turnout in recent elections, especially among the youth, who constitute about 70% of the population. Without meaningful citizen participation, democracy loses its vitality and ability to represent the diverse needs of the population.
To strengthen our democratic system, it is essential to foster a culture of political participation, where every Namibian feels empowered to contribute to shaping the nation’s future. Political education is key to this empowerment. Citizens must be aware of their rights and responsibilities within the political system, as enshrined in the Namibian Constitution.
Also, they need to understand how policies affect their lives and how they can influence policy decisions. Political literacy, therefore, becomes a cornerstone of a healthy democracy and effective nation-building. Schools, universities, and civil society organisations must take the lead in promoting political education, ensuring that the next generation of Namibians is informed and actively engaged in the democratic process. This approach promotes substantive citizenship beyond mere formal citizenship.
Addressing socio-economic challenges
Politics serves as a tool for addressing the socio-economic inequalities that persist in Namibia. Despite being classified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank (WB), Namibia remains one of the most unequal societies globally, with a high unemployment rate of 19.42% and a poverty rate of 17.40%. Furthermore, there is a critical shortfall of 300 000 housing units and inadequate access to sanitation services. These issues cannot be resolved without political will, strategic planning, and effective governance.
Nation-building involves not only political independence but also improving the quality of life for all citizens. Political leaders must develop and implement policies that promote economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. These policies should be rooted in the realities faced by the people. On top of that, public consultations and stakeholder engagements are essential to ensure that political decisions reflect the lived experiences of Namibians.
Decentralisation and local governance also play a significant role in addressing these socio-economic challenges. In a country as geographically vast and diverse as Namibia, centralised decision-making often leads to unequal development. Empowering local governance structures through effective politics can bridge the gap between national policies and local needs, ensuring that rural and marginalised communities are not left behind in the nation-building process. Despite the legal provisions supporting decentralisation, many citizens are not fully involved in decision-making processes regarding their lives. Moreover, many citizens are not adequately consulted on issues that affect them.
Some may argue that politics often leads to division and conflict rather than unity and collaboration. While it is true that political disagreements can create rifts within society, the solution lies not in disengagement but in fostering respectful dialogue and collaboration across political lines. In fact, constructive political discourse can lead to more comprehensive solutions that reflect the diverse perspectives of all Namibians.
Ethical leadership
The importance of politics goes beyond decision-making; it encompasses leadership and accountability. In Namibia, as in many democracies, there is a growing call for ethical leadership that prioritises the needs of the people over political self-interest. Corruption and political opportunism are significant threats to nation-building, undermining public trust and weakening institutions. For politics to serve the purpose of nation-building effectively, it must be rooted in transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Leaders must possess not only the technical expertise to govern but also the moral fortitude to act in the public interest. Namibia’s political future depends on cultivating ethical leadership, where power is exercised not for personal gain but for the common good. This requires a robust system of checks and balances, an independent judiciary, and a vibrant civil society that holds leaders accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, politics is an essential driver of nation-building in Namibia. It shapes the institutions, policies, and values that define our society. However, for politics to fulfil this role, it must be inclusive, participatory, and ethical. Nation-building is not the responsibility of politicians alone, it requires the active engagement of every Namibian. Through embracing the essence of politics, we can build a nation that is not only politically stable but also socially just and economically prosperous.
Let us not shy away from the political arena, instead, let us stand together to demand accountability, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build a Namibia that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens. The future of Namibia depends on our collective commitment to shaping it through informed and responsible political action.
*Gerson Ingashipola Shikukumwa is a Canon Collins Scholar pursuing a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Public Management (Honours) from Unam. The views expressed are entirely his own.