Namibia, akin to numerous other nations, is progressing towards a more authentic multiparty democracy. Certain democratic factions are contesting the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), opposing the ruling party that triumphed in the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. These factions assert their entitlement to steer the nation towards a more favourable trajectory, while simultaneously marginalising the broader Namibian populace.
The political landscape in Namibia reveals that its politicians are not advocates for transformative change; rather, they exhibit a propensity to uphold the status quo.
National issues
The multiparty democratic system, currently grappling with the legitimacy of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections, proves to be ineffectual. The substantial financial resources allocated for conferences and agendas ought to be redirected toward developmental initiatives. Enormous sums are expended to ensure a more favourable quorum, all while citizens are left to endure life beneath bridges and scavenge from refuse bins.
Consequently, the discussions intended for post-election resolutions should instead focus on addressing pressing national challenges such as unemployment, housing shortages, access to essential services, social inequality and foreign policy.
Moreover, schoolchildren lack adequate nutrition and medical care, while young graduates remain ensnared in the illusion of securing employment.
Namibia is not a stable nation; it suffers from an underperforming economy characterised by elevated unemployment rates, pervasive corruption, widespread poverty, stark inequality and fragile political cohesion. These issues are undeniably real, and demand urgent attention and action. As a result, they complicate the path toward sustainable development.
The education system
The educational framework has resolved to render agricultural studies optional, while mandating proficiency in the English language. Consequently, Namibia now boasts a generation of eloquent English-speaking youth, yet many face the dire reality of hunger. These young graduates emerge from their academic pursuits devoid of viable employment prospects, leading to a state of idleness within their households.
Their parents possess fertile agricultural land and engage in cultivation. However, the graduates lack the requisite agricultural knowledge to assist their parents in these endeavours, relying solely on their fluency in English. It can be said that it would be more beneficial to mandate agricultural education as a compulsory subject.
This approach would equip individuals who are less literate with essential agricultural skills, enabling them to mitigate their hunger, even if they do not secure employment immediately. Such an initiative would facilitate the practical application of knowledge acquired in school, rather than necessitating a rudimentary learning process from their parents. This shift could foster a more self-sufficient and knowledgeable youth population, capable of contributing to both family and community sustenance.
The recipe for failure
Our leaders vie for authority and ascend to positions of power. However, their governance is characterised by a formula for failure. During political rallies and campaigns, there is invariably a plethora of unfulfilled promises made by various parties. A recipe is deemed incomplete if any essential ingredient is omitted. For example, when preparing fried eggs, the requisite components include eggs, milk, sugar and salt. Should one neglect to include salt, the recipe becomes deficient, and ultimately fails to achieve its intended outcome. This analogy holds true within the context of Namibian politics; politicians may assure citizens of employment opportunities, free education and access to housing by the year 2025.
Yet as we progress into 2026 and 2027, it becomes evident that the promises remain unfulfilled, rendering the political agenda incomplete and unsuccessful, with perhaps only a solitary commitment realised. Namibia, a relatively diminutive nation characterised by a modest populace, is endowed with an abundance of natural resources.
However, had it adopted a strategic framework for success since attaining independence, it might have emerged as a developed country within the Southern African region.
Regrettably, over the past 35 years since its independence, Namibia has largely followed a trajectory marked by failure, resulting in its continued status as a developing nation. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that while the country possesses substantial resources, these are often exported or illicitly extracted by external entities, depriving local communities of their rightful benefits.
Solution
The resolution to these multifaceted challenges lies in a concentrated governmental approach. The administration must eschew the practice of emulating the policies of other nations. Judicious decisions must be rendered and adhered to, fostering the autonomous development that is desired. Consequently, there must be robust support for small enterprises, a concerted effort to mitigate unemployment, a decisive campaign against poverty, and initiatives aimed at stabilising inequality.
Leadership should prioritise transformative actions rather than merely striving to enhance their status quo, which often results in the degradation of living standards for the populace, and exacerbates the marginalisation of certain communities.
A cohesive political framework within Namibia is essential to instil confidence in the pursuit of a progressive and prosperous nation. Moreover, it is crucial for the Namibian educational system to critically evaluate its curriculum. Agriculture should be instituted as a compulsory subject, akin to the current mandates for English and indigenous languages.
This adjustment would not only enrich the educational experience, but also equip future generations with vital skills pertinent to national development. The imposition of mandatory agricultural practices is poised to significantly enhance the agricultural sector within the nation. Transformation must occur, and such change is essential for every citizen to embrace. The citizens of Namibia are often undervalued, and their potential is overlooked.
*Romanus Sindi holds a Bachelor’s in Philosophy L7 and a Postgraduate in Secondary Education L8.