I write not only in defence of Prof Amupanda, but I believe my silence in the midst of injustice may render me guilty of not having taken a stand when fellow Namibians rights are being violated. Herein, I take full personal responsibility for this writing – a responsibility, I believe must facilitate genuine public debates.
The discriminatory nature of redline must, indeed, fall. A problem has been identified, which in my opinion is the stringent yet discriminatory operational established protocols of the redline.
Undoubtedly, the falling of the redline is practically doable, but the discriminatory nature of it remains feasible. What is left for Namibians is to gauge an appropriate remedy as a restorative measure for the rights that have been negligently violated through operationalisation of the redline.
Many of us are seemingly carried away by some issues that are being raised by Prof Amupanda in his own defence. This matter is before the High Court, and it involves and/or centres on the need for the removal of the redline. The fundamental and elementary conclusion is the redline is discriminatory.
It is, therefore, my considered opinion that the operational established protocols of the redline are indeed discriminatory. It is such protocols that must be subjected to a review to give rise to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights that have been negligently violated for the past 40 years +. It can’t be right for the very Namibians to be subjected to such obvious injustices. We mustn’t allow communities North of the redline to be subjected to such economic hardship merely because of protocols that can easily be amended.
A closer apolitical and professional look at this case is necessary. Let’s rather champion a human-rights based approach with redline being under the microscope. Therefore, I wouldn’t crucify Prof Amupanda in that at least he has taken a stand in bringing this issue to the fore. I do agree with others on the question of authority, let alone jurisdiction in giving weight to this case. Unfortunately, Prof Amupanda must be assisted by all and sundry in making a good and appropriate case for all. There is an overt public interest in this case. The state obligatory responsibility morally and constitutionally must be ensured. We can’t pretend as if everything is well and in order with the redline. The mistakes by Prof Amupanda within the realm of justice are not grave; they can be changed and/or adjusted to suit the bigger picture that is observable. Relax operational procedures over the redline through political will and application of both substantive laws.
We all have flaws as revolutionaries, but those who stand up in defence of the rights of others need not be crucified. Namibians’ livelihoods will be better improved with an outright review of redline established discriminatory protocols.
*Jarii Tjeja-Tjatindi hails from Epukiro constituency, Omaheke region. The views expressed are solely personal.