KEETMANSHOOP- Being at the dawn of celebrating 35 years of Independence, residents of the //Kharas region have different views on how they felt about this achievement when New Era asked them about it. 

In Keetmanshoop, Erich Cloete (63) said he is fortunate to live, seeing three Presidents leading Namibia in peace and harmony and now was absent to witness the swearing-in of the country’s first ever female Head of State. 

“I can without any doubt, attest that living in a free, democratic country where I have so many rights is not something you find in other parts of the world, thus we should really be thankful and appreciate our government, “ he emphasized. 

Cloete also expressed appreciation towards the political leadership who cater for old-age pension increments every year. 

Meanwhile in Warmbad, 37-year-old Franciskus Jaartze said it is one thing to live in an Independent country, and another one to sleep on an empty stomach. 

“Although being employed as a temporary farm labourer, I cannot provide for my family most of the time, forcing us to stay without food, “ he said. Jaartze also called on the political leadership in the settlement to look into ways how to develop Warmbad further and in the process cerate employment opportunities. 

When visiting Karasburg recently, New Era spoke to Iser Cloete who bemoaned the fact that is no transparency on the governance of the town council. 

“Before Independence we were always informed by the government in control about the development  of the town, but it seems things are now done behind closed doors since some of us only see, but never hear of things happening here, “ he added. Cloete continued: 

“It is good to live in a free country, but if you are not freed from poverty and suffering it does not really make sense to me, “ he raised as a concern. 

Youth activist, Martin Shigweha, also from the town, said the biggest challenge in an Independent Namibia is that of leaders failing to turn weak people into champions. “Some political leaders since the Independence of Namibia always make promises to the electorate, but when voted into power never fulfill them, “ he said. Shigwedha, who is also a local pastor added that this made citizens, especially the youth lost trust in political leaders which have a negative impact on how they feel about Independence.