This year’s Independence Day presents an opportunity for Namibians to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and renew our commitment to building a better future for the country.
On 21 March 1990, Namibia finally gained independence from South Africa after a long, bitter and bloody struggle for liberation that lasted for decades.
And while it has become popular to only highlight the current challenges, it should be mentioned that since gaining independence, Namibia has made significant strides in various areas, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
The country has also made major efforts to address poverty through various policy measures and programmes.
Government has introduced new and expanded existing social safety nets, including old age pensions, cash grants for some food-insecure families, drought relief as well as grants for people with disabilities. Government also assists other vulnerable and marginalised groups who are most in need, and improves their access to basic services such as healthcare, education and food.
In addition to these initiatives, the government has invested heavily in education and healthcare, which are critical to reducing poverty in the long- term. The government has expanded access to primary and secondary education, and has increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of new hospitals and clinics in rural areas.
But most importantly, the country has also made progress in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. This country has enshrined human rights in its constitution, and ratified a number of international human rights treaties.
However, violence against women and children, and discrimination against marginalised communities such as the San people, persist.
The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as implementing gender-based violence legislation and creating policies to protect the rights of marginalised communities as well as giving women better education and job opportunities.
Despite these efforts, however, poverty remains a significant challenge. In a 2021 report by the governmental Namibia Statistics Agency, multidimensional poverty was determined to affect 43% of the population, 59% in rural and 25% in urban areas. The government and development partners continue to work on implementing new policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving the living standards of all Namibians.
These achievements are a testament to the resilience and determination of the Namibian people in building a prosperous and peaceful nation.
Furthermore, this year’s celebration also presents an opportunity for Namibians to recommit to addressing the challenges that the country still faces. These challenges include reducing poverty, opposing tribalism, addressing inequality, tackling corruption and ensuring that all Namibians can enjoy the benefits of economic growth and development.
Namibians should, therefore, relish celebrating independence this year because it provides an opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and renew our commitment to building a better future for our country.
Happy independence!