Alfeus L. Hamundja
Perennial media reports on the unemployment crisis in Namibia has left many Namibians, especially young people, wondering about this sad reality.
This letter attempts to prescribe solutions, as we move forward to mortgage a better Namibia for our children and theirs.
Namibia’s unemployment rate stands at 34%, and the youth unemployment rate at 48%. Namibia continues to rank as the second-most unequal country in the whole world, with a Gini index of 59.1, according to the World Bank.
Our youth, who make up over 50% of Namibia’s voting population, are experiencing the harsh reality of unemployment and numerous challenges that hinder their growth and development.
This letter will diagnose the condition of joblessness, and point to a cure before it becomes a cancer. Last year on Independence Day, unemployed youth attempted to take to the streets to protest against joblessness, but were stopped from doing so by the police. Sadly, they are threatening to do the same this year.
Furthermore, on 26 August 2023, Namibia witnessed a poor turnout of the Heroes’ Day commemoration. This is an indication that most Namibians are tired of empty promises, and looking back at a history that does not solve any pressing issue, like poverty, hunger, inequality and the unemployment epidemic.
Namibia is divided by socio-economic inequality, poverty and unemployment. Unemployment is a silent killer, and is a disease that is causing many evils in our nation. It reduces a person’s social capital and participation, cutting them off from networks and relations, which are the bridge to re-employment.
However, as a young person (28), I am optimistic that a 100% employment rate is possible.
Everything falls and rises on leadership.
Namibia is blessed with resources below and above the ground.
I, therefore, propose an employment- creation conference where our government, private sector, labour, political formations, experts, business communities, and religious and traditional leaders come together to sit around the fire at least for three weeks to craft a new social contract for economic growth and employment- creation.
We must emulate role model nations who have made significant achievements such as
South Africa = Expended Work Programme
India = National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
United Kingdom = The Future Jobs Funds 2009
Argentina = Job Guarantee Programme.
Argentina, for example, has successfully implemented the above programme. So, there is actually a lot we can learn from those countries. It is also high time for the young people of Namibia to stand up and irritate those who are in power in such an organised manner that they have no choice but to do what is right, and to bring solutions.
The State has a crucial role and big responsibility to create a conducive environment for job-creation. Unemployment demands urgent attention and effective solutions. Singapore was, before the First World War, a fishing village. Today, it is the country in which the population in wealth exceeds any other country in Asia, although they had no natural resources.
I think Namibia as a country with many natural resources and the right population should become Africa’s leading and most prosperous nation, with a 100% employment rate.
*Alfeus Lungameni Hamundja is a nurse in northern Namibia.