by Beven Liswani Kamwi
I intend to amplify the role of multiculturalism in addressing social inclusion processes in Namibia. From the outset, I will start by providing the working definitions of the two key concepts of multiculturalism versus social inclusion.
The concept multiculturalism, though quiet broad in defining, can refer to a demographic fact describing the co-existence of persons from different ethno-cultural backgrounds in a single society, an ideological aspiration celebrating diversity, a set of policies aimed at managing diversity, or a process by which ethnic and racial groups leverage support to achieve their aspirations.
However, in this paper, my use of multiculturalism entails a platform that accords all Namibians an equitable opportunity to be part of the building of our nation. While the other, social inclusion or “inclusivity”, as pioneered by our president, Dr Hage G Geingob, entails a shared social experience and active participation, by a broad equality of opportunities and life chances for individuals and by the achievement of a basic level of well-being of all citizens. Alternatively, in laymen terms, it means no Namibian should be left out in whatever opportunities the country can offer. This means equal resource allocation locally (121 constituencies), regionally (14 regions) and nationally (Namibia as a whole); equitable life opportunities, employment, fair political participation, guaranteed human rights and so on.
Namibia, with its culturally diverse society, faces a challenge in ensuring equitable access to resources by its citizens. In order for it to be successful in carrying out this daunting mandate, there is a need to create strong practical policies that will enable all groups to participate and benefit equally. These policies can better be referred to as multicultural approaches aimed at ensuring prosperity for all.
The fact of the matter is that in the absence of such meaningful inclusivity policies, the nation is likely to face extreme challenges in its advocacy of unity in diversity. Further, I strongly hold the belief that when the majority of the Namibian population experiences poverty due to social exclusion, the ultimate result will be civil strife leading to instability.
That being the case, some of the notable multicultural ways (as deduced from Hyman et al, 2011) that a nation like ours can adopt to initiate social inclusion and discourage exclusion are as follows.
Recognise and promote the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of Namibian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of Namibian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage.
Promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Namibian society and assist them in the elimination of any barrier to such participation.
Ensure that all individuals receive equal treatment and protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their co-existence and diversity.
Equal advancement of all ethnic groups of Namibia in all avenues of society, as opposed to preferential or selective development of some quarters of society.
Increasing equitable representation of previously marginalised/disadvantaged groups of the Namibian society throughout the state’s mechanisms and structures
Recruiting professional/qualified employees that reflect the diversity of the Namibian society comprised of 14 regions – be it in government, agencies or private sector(s).
It is imperative for the Namibian government to understand the ethnic and cultural background of it population.
Ensuring that decision-making processes do not in any way exclude any party of the Namibian society.
Finally, implementing these broad policies to the latter will ensure a sense of ownership and belonging among Namibians. Notably, such an exercise will aid in fostering peace and unity, and subsequently achieving prosperity for all.
* Beven Liswani Kamwi is a postgraduate student in Inter. Communications at Stellenbosch University. He holds a Masters of Arts from UNAM and lectures English at IUM. The views expressed are entirely his and not of his employer.