The Kunene region, located in the north-western part of Namibia, has long been a symbol of resilience and struggle, both during the liberation war and in the post-independence era. 

From its strategic importance in the fight for independence to its key role in Namibia’s economic potential, Kunene is a region that holds significant promise. However, it is a region that, despite its contributions, has often found itself sidelined politically and economically. 

As we stand on the precipice of a new political era, it is crucial to reflect on Kunene’s historical struggles, the exclusion of key figures, and the steps that need to be taken to ensure the region’s future is one of inclusivity, development, and sustainability.

Kunene, like much of Namibia, was a battleground during the liberation struggle, with the region playing a pivotal role in the battle against the apartheid regime. 

Prominent figures such as Cleophas Uazirapi Tjijeura of Otjerunda village and his cousin Joel Hiamandjendje Tjijahura of Otjondeka were among those who participated in key events such as the Battle of Omugulugwombashe, where the first armed confrontation between Swapo and the South African forces occurred. 

Both Tjijeura and Tjijahura, along with countless others, faced the horrors of apartheid-era torture and imprisonment. Their suffering, and that of many others, should never be forgotten as part of Namibia’s path to liberation. I am working on the full episode for the two gentle giants of the liberation struggle in due course.

However, since independence, Kunene has often been marginalised in terms of political representation. The region has faced a noticeable gap in the number of people from Kunene holding significant government positions, from Cabinet ministers and ambassadors to board members in key parastatals. This lack of representation has left the region feeling politically excluded, even as it remains vital to the country’s economic prospects. Despite its wealth in natural resources, tourism potential, and strategic assets like the Baynes Hydro Power Station, Kunene has not experienced the same level of development seen in other regions of Namibia.

Kunene’s economic potential cannot be overstated. The region is a vital contributor to Namibia’s tourism industry, with attractions such as the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Epupa Waterfall, and the famous Etosha National Park drawing international visitors. Additionally, the region is rich in natural resources, including mineral deposits and fossil fuels, which could play a major role in the country’s economic future.

The Baynes Hydro Power Station, a key infrastructure project in the region, has the potential to significantly contribute to the country’s energy needs. Yet, the full potential of these assets remains untapped due to the region’s political exclusion and lack of investment. If the government focuses on the fast-tracking of development in Kunene, it could become a key economic hub in Namibia, creating jobs, fostering sustainable tourism, and contributing to energy security.

Recent voting trends in Kunene suggest that the region’s political landscape is evolving. Historically, the region has been a stronghold for the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), which later transformed into the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). However, a shift seems to be taking place, with Kunene voters now expressing a desire for more inclusivity and a greater share of the political and economic pie. This shift offers a unique opportunity for the ruling party, Swapo, and other political stakeholders to recognise the needs of the people of Kunene and to address the historical grievances and inequalities that have existed for decades.

As the region moves away from blind allegiance to one political party, the focus should now shift to policies that prioritise sustainable development, economic inclusion, and the empowerment of local communities. The people of Kunene deserve a political leadership that acknowledges their contributions to Namibia’s liberation struggle and ensures their fair share of Namibia’s post-independence prosperity.

Inclusivity should be at the core of any future development plan for Kunene. The government must recognise the region’s unique challenges and work closely with local communities to create tailored solutions. This includes:

Infrastructure development 

Investing in infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and telecommunications to unlock the region’s full economic potential. Efficient transportation links to the rest of Namibia and neighbouring countries are crucial for both tourism and trade.

Capacity building and education Promoting local education and vocational training in fields such as tourism, renewable energy, and resource management. Empowering the local workforce will help ensure that Kunene’s people are equipped to take on leadership roles in the region’s growth.

Environmental sustainability Kunene’s rich natural resources, particularly in tourism, need to be harnessed sustainably. This means investing in eco-tourism and conservation efforts, which will not only preserve the region’s unique biodiversity but also create long-term economic opportunities for local communities.

Decentralised governance Strengthening local governance structures and ensuring that decision-making power is decentralised to give communities in Kunene more say in their development priorities. This could include creating regional development forums and ensuring that Kunene’s representatives at the national level are able to advocate effectively for the needs of the region.

Promoting equity in representation 

It is time for the government to consider a more equitable distribution of political representation across all regions of Namibia, including Kunene. Appointing leaders from Kunene to key government positions and ensuring their voices are heard in national decision-making processes is vital for fostering a sense of national unity and equity.

Public-private partnerships 

Attracting private sector investment in Kunene, particularly in the tourism, energy, and agriculture sectors, can create new job opportunities and drive economic growth. Public-private partnerships that focus on sustainability can help ensure that Kunene’s natural wealth benefits its people in the long term.

Kunene, with its rich history and vast potential, deserves to be at the forefront of Namibia’s economic and political future. The new political era offers an opportunity for the region to shake off its history of marginalisation and take its place as a leading contributor to the country’s prosperity. By prioritising inclusivity and sustainable development, the government can ensure that Kunene becomes an economic hub that benefits all Namibians while empowering the people who have long been at the heart of Namibia’s struggle for freedom and equality.

As Kunene shifts from its traditional political affiliations and seeks new pathways for development, it is time for all Namibians to embrace a future that is more inclusive, more sustainable, and more equitable where every region, including Kunene, could thrive.

*Mauiipi Hartley holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from the International University of Management. He writes in his private capacity.