Thought Leaders

[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.

Namibia adopted the ‘mixed economy’ on the eve of independence 30 years ago.  Mixed economy is largely regarded as the mixture of capitalism and socialism, and to a certain extend it includes communism.

When countries come out of wars, strife and natural disasters, sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and the economy will be in shambles. To deal with this mess and have their countries run again, governments, with the assistance of other nations, come up with various strategies to rehabilitate these crucial sectors and others.

News gatherers and reporters, always anxious to convey messages with the potency and urgency they deserve, have used several headlines to describe global efforts to reopen in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Namibian people should never forget 21 March 1990. It was on that day, after over a hundred years ago, that Namibia at last raised its flag, inaugurated its first President and sworn in many of us as ministers of an independent sovereign Namibia.