By Kuvee Kangueehi
Windhoek
Namibian political analyst, Bill Lindeke, says President Hifikepunye Pohamba should have been in a more upbeat mood when delivering the State of the Nation address on last Thursday. Lindeke said Pohamba was rather serious despite the fact that the country was generally doing well.
“The Government has recently tabled a well-balanced budget, maintained a 4 percent economic growth, managed its debt well and thus had every reason to be cheerful.”
The analyst said the economic indicators for the country are showing in the right direction and the year under review was a good one. He noted that despite the poor rainfall this year and the depleted fishing stocks, the exchange rate is still good and favourable for investment and development.
Lindeke, however, felt that the president was thin on international relations and concentrated mostly on domestic affairs. He noted that the President visited many countries including some powerful nations such as France and Germany and should have shed more light on the country’s (Namibia) international relations. Lindeke also said a number of Heads of State including the Chinese President visited Namibia, but not a single word was said about that.
The analyst further noted that Namibia chaired the SADC during the period under review and it was disappointing that Pohamba, as chairperson did not mention anything on this score. He noted that it was clear from the president’s State of the Nation address that Namibian foreign policy has weakened and could signal a diminished role for the country in regional politics.
“There was a lot to say on international relations apart from the few bilateral agreements we have signed.”
Lindeke also observed that the State of the Nation address, one of the most important political events for the president, was poorly attended by both the public and members of the diplomatic corps. He said this could be attributed to the fact that the Head of State only a few months ago opened Parliament, and also recently tabled the budget speech.
“Maybe these two events took the gloss off from the one which usually draws crowds.” The analyst further noted that the fact that the President was delivering his third address in his mid-term, contributed to the low interest, adding that it was not the time for the president to introduce new programmes, and thus people anticipated nothing new.
“It is not an election year and the opposition is also not trying to score any political points, thus criticism will be less.”
During the address the President announced that for the first time the Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate examination would be written at the end of this year. He noted that this was a significant step for Namibia, as some countries have not yet localized their examination systems.
The President also said he was looking forward to the passing of the Vocational Training Bill as legislation would drive the transformation of vocational education.
“Legislation would provide our youth with marketable skills and competencies.”
The President called for a pass rate of at least 90 percent for grade 10 full-time learners. He noted with concern that only 45 percent passed and progressed to Grade 11 last year.
“I call upon the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders to ensure that, in the implementation of the ETSIP, no effort is spared to see the pass rate rise at least to 90 percent.”
He said the Government must ensure that those who fail Grades 10 and 12 have access to vocational training programmes such as those provided by the National Youth Service and vocational training institutions.
“Let us aim higher to make our education system one of the strongest in the SADC Region,” said the President.