KATIMA MULILO – Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani on Sunday promised to create jobs for the country’s unemployed and turn around the economy as he seeks to attract voters ahead of the national elections.

Venaani was addressing a packed Katima Mulilo sports complex as he launched his party’s election manifesto, to the delight of supporters.

At the heart of the PDM manifesto, which is its commitment to the electorate and broader Namibia, are its plans to create employment, build homes,

expand agriculture and secure a better future.

The manifesto was launched under the theme ‘A Brighter Tomorrow’. With election season well underway in Namibia, most political parties that have not launched their manifestos are expected to do so in the coming weeks. In the PDM manifesto, Vanaani promised to create employment by establishing factories in each of the 121 constituencies, ensure that value addition is done in the country, and mechanise agriculture.

On the day, PDM became the first party to give the electorate a glimpse into what they have to offer, should they be voted into power.

The manifesto launch was the icing on the cake after three days in which the party’s internal democratic processes were tested to the limit. Since Friday, the party had been holding its national elective congress in Katima Mulilo, where the top six leaders retained their positions. 

But when the dust had settled, PDM had pulled off what could be described as a peaceful elective congress, where Venaani’s influence and power were on full display, as he almost had everything going his way. For the next five years, the party will be led by Venaani (president), Jennifer van den Heever (vice president), Nico Smit (treasurer), Manuel Ngaringombe (secretary general), Linus Tobias (deputy secretary general), and national chairperson Diedrick Vries.

Joining them at the summit of the movement were Rosa Mbinge-Tjeundo, who is the maiden deputy chairperson, and Sydney Ndumba, deputy treasury secretary. These latter two are new positions. “The leadership of the party was in a congress here in Zambezi for the last three days talking about the future of our party. Today the PDM is announcing its key priority areas of its manifesto; the full document shall be available on Tuesday,” Venaani said at Sunday’s launch of the manifesto.

14 pillars

The manifesto outlines a 14-pronged approach aimed at transforming Namibia and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Venaani said, there is land in abundance in Zambezi that can be utilised to grow food for the nation, but it is underutilised.

He said it was saddening that the people of Zambezi are among the poorest in an independent Namibia. “Therefore, our agriculture mechanisation and policy shall be launched here to change and create the necessary jobs, have food security, and do agro-processing. Zambezi does not need to be poor because God made Zambezi rich,”
he said.

Vennani said it is only in Namibia where youth are asked for a Grade 12 certificate and 10 years’ experience when looking for a job.

He finds this baffling.“Where will the young people get experience if they never get a job in their lifetime? Young people, if you want to say no to a government that is asking you for 10 years of experience, a government that has never given you an opportunity, it is time for you to vote for a leader who will end this experience recommendation and will be able to give apprenticeships to young people in this country,” Venaani appealed.

Transformation

Venaani said the strong approach is aimed at transforming Namibia and ensuring that no one is left behind.

“We are the first political party, as we always do to be ready with the manifesto to table to the people of Namibia, because we are serious with your lives. To create jobs, our foremost commitment is to address unemployment head-on by establishing at
least one manufacturing or processing industry in each of Namibia’s 121 constituencies,” he said.

Furthermore, the PDM government will mandate that at least 80% of state procurement comes from local manufacturers.

This policy will stimulate local industries, protect emerging domestic enterprises and foster sustainable job creation. “If you go to every village in Namibia, the only economy that is functional is the tombo economy because the ladies selling tombo are the ones driving the economy; we are going to change that,” he said. He promised Namibians that there will be value addition for natural resources to speak to their promise to create employment, saying they will mandate that up to 50% of all natural resources undergo local value addition.

In doing so, thousands of jobs will be created, benefiting communities across all 14 regions, he said. 

“The PDM government is dedicated to making universal health coverage the cornerstone of our national policy. We will prioritise public-private partnerships to enhance health infrastructure, build facilities in underserved areas, and ensure mental health support is readily available,’’ he added. The PDM aims to channel investments into local medicine manufacturing, patient engagement, and upgraded medical equipment are central to our plan, along with implementing comprehensive patient counselling and ensuring rigorous oversight of medical staff.

Housing 

Addressing housing needs is another critical area of focus. The PDM will introduce what Venaani termed the ‘One Namibian, One Plot’ policy to ensure that every adult Namibian earning less than N$4 500 per month has access to a free plot. This initiative aims to transform informal settlements into formalised areas with developed land and title deeds, promoting equitable land reform and restoring the dignity of our people.

Empowering women and youth in agriculture, educational reform, and addressing corruption is among the key points in the PDM’s election manifesto, including paying serious attention to sports, arts and culture.

“Our commitment to sports, arts, and culture reflects our belief in their power to unite and inspire. We will build state-of-the-art sports centres, establish a National Sports Education Board, and construct arts and culture centres to nurture talent and preserve our rich heritage. Our policies will empower rural artists, protect intellectual property rights, and support cultural preservation,’’ he said. -jmuyamba@nepc.com.na