Focus

Globalisation is the process of life that gives rise to the reality and tangibility of our relatedness and interrelatedness with all that exists. This reality of our relatedness is contradicted by contemporary world capitalisation that is perpetuating inequalities among nations. The problem is that postmodern empire and globalisation do not only mean interconnectedness of the world, but it simultaneously contributes to and expands neoliberal capitalism.

Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi’s theme for Budget Day 2020, “together defeating Covid-19, together thriving again”, resonates beyond Namibia’s borders. 
It is a call, indeed, a prayer that informs and shapes the entire world as it charts new directions following a public health emergency. 
 The current health situation has led to a loss of normality in daily life. 

[Swapo Party’s birthday] is a momentous [occasion] …and calls for a retrospection in order for it to continue to provide shelter and comfort to the sons and daughters of our country and continue to bear the fruits of economic emancipation of our country. (Dr HG Geingob, 2020, edited) 

Lately, we have seen exponential growth in the utilisation of social media platforms as communication and information dissemination tools by both the private and public sector organisations, as well as individuals. This is in line with the latest development, upgrade and updates in the global digital market that can allow organisations and even individuals to save costs in terms of transport, accommodation facilities and enhancing productivity or service provision. 

Namibia is one of the world’s most unequal countries in terms of the redistribution of the economy, key of which is the disproportionately skewed distribution of land – the master means of production, despite the geographically abundant land surface area (825 000 m2 ), which is twice the size of Germany. 

Arguably, the most important talking point in the time of controls, restrictions and adaptations is the question of how we can stay and succeed together while maintaining physical distancing. A ready and easy answer suggests improved and more equitable use of technology.

The announcement this week of the re-opening of schools and return of learners in phases by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture brought some relief to parents, learners and stakeholders. Soon after the press release to the media, social media platforms were awash with the verbatim release itself and comments, which all pointed to smiles and happiness about the announcement. Some parents, teachers and principals I talked to expressed delight at the news of the reopening of schools in phases. 

Even if it may have been effected belatedly, President Hage Geingob’s directive to put a ceiling on monthly fuel usage for top government officials, as well as withdrawing off-road vehicles assigned to political office bearers, will be long remembered as one of the most strategic moves in an attempt to rein in government spending which many believe have been way out of control for a foreseeable future.