The ruling party has made significant strides in the development of Namibia and should be given another mandate to govern, a Swapo think tank member said at the weekend. Toini Sam, who was addressing the ruling party faithful of Moses |Garoëb in Windhoek East constituency, said Swapo’s record in education, health and infrastructure development should be hailed by all and sundry. 

“Education has been the cornerstone of national development, and even more critical as we look towards the future attainment of Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063 to have a knowledge-based society, and the Africa we want,” said Sam. 

“Namibia is making significant investments in education, resulting in the graduation of over 560 medical doctors. Additionally, there has been a rise in the number of schools and university campuses established across the country, including a School of Medicine and a School of Engineering. 

The literacy rate has also improved, aligning with our National Development Plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plans. Sam noted that there had been an increase in quality healthcare, including the establishment of new health centres. 

“It is worth noting that Namibia became the first country in Africa to achieve 99% HIV-free births,” she added. Speaking on the government’s investments in the infrastructure space, Sam said, “As Namibians, we should take pride in being a country with the highest-quality roads network on the continent, complemented by effective road traffic signage. The port of Walvis Bay has increased its container-handling capacity from 350 000 to 750 000 containers annually. This enhancement shows improved trade efficiency and reduced delays in the supply chain. This positions the port as a potential key hub for regional connectivity, and establishes it as a strategic maritime route to Asia and other countries.” 

The ruling party is hard at work campaigning for the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections, billed for 27 November this year. Swapo has fielded vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its presidential candidate, and it looks to reclaim some ground lost during the last general elections in 2019.