As Namibia prepares to mark 36 years of independence, young people and political leaders say the country has made notable strides in expanding opportunities and improving living standards since 1990.
From improved access to education and vocational training to better road networks and rural electrification, many believe the democratic government has opened doors that were previously closed to the majority of Namibians.
However, while acknowledging the progress made over the past three decades, several youths say challenges such as unemployment and inequality still require urgent attention.
Twenty-four-year-old Tomas Amadhila, an entrepreneur from Oshakati, said independence created opportunities that allow young Namibians to pursue education and entrepreneurship.
“Today we can study, start small businesses and freely share our ideas. Our parents did not have those opportunities before independence. Government programmes that support youth businesses and training have helped many of us try to build our own future,” he said.
Another youth, Selma Nghipondoka, a university student, said improved education infrastructure has significantly changed the lives of young people.
“Most children today can attend schools close to their homes and continue to university if they work hard. Our parents had limited schools and resources. Now we have better access to education, the internet and information, which helps us compete with the rest of the world,” she said.
Paulus Haingura, a vocational trainee specialising in welding and fabrication, noted that vocational training has created opportunities for young people to acquire practical skills.
“Not everyone will go to university, but vocational training equips young people with skills to find employment or start small businesses. That is one of the positive developments we see today,” he said.
Johannes Martin from the Popular Democratic Movement said having grown up during the final years of the liberation struggle, he clearly remembers the conditions before independence.
“I was born in the 1980s when the liberation struggle had intensified, and I still remember life before independence. Infrastructure development such as road networks, communication connectivity through radio, television and cellphones, as well as rural electrification, are among the biggest changes we have seen,” he said.
Martin added that many rural communities previously struggled to access even basic services due to poor infrastructure.
“Before independence, many villages had sandy roads, and people had to cross flooded pans just to access basic commodities. There were very few shops or wholesalers, and people often travelled long distances in harsh conditions because of poor road networks,” he said.
He said rural electrification has since helped stimulate economic activity in villages.
“Electricity has enabled people to establish small markets in villages to meet daily community needs. It has also improved communication, allowing people to follow national and international news through radio, television and other media platforms,” Martin added. According to him, decentralisation has also brought government services closer to communities.
“People’s lives have improved through the decentralisation of government services via regional and constituency offices. Many are now involved in income-generating activities such as brick-making, gardening, welding, tailoring and other small projects within their communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, SWAPO Party Youth League Oshana regional treasurer Metumo Shikongo said Namibia’s democratic government has made notable progress in expanding opportunities for citizens.
“Since 1990, Namibia has dismantled apartheid structures through a democratic Constitution, universal rights and investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure. Many Namibians who were previously excluded now have access to education, services and opportunities,” he said.
Shikongo added that while progress has been made, challenges such as inequality and unemployment still require sustained efforts.
“Independence brought equal voting rights and improved access to services and opportunities for many citizens. While challenges remain, the progress achieved over the years shows the country has moved forward,” he said.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na
Photo: Heather Erdmann