Shaun Evert Gariseb

Around the globe, people are divided in their opinion of China. A median of 40% across 34 countries surveyed have a favourable view of that country, while a median of 41% have an unfavourable opinion. The country’s most positive ratings come from Russia (71% favourable), Nigeria (70%) and Canada (67%).

For more information on global views of China, see ‘People around the globe are divided in Their Opinions of China’.

In Africa and Namibia specifically, Chinese nationals have had widespread repudiation for their treatment towards locals, it is a well-known fact that they mistreat their employees, underpay them, and sometimes even abuse them physically.

In recent times, we have seen videos on social media on “how Chinese people mistaken the psychological effect of kung fu movies and their tyrant tendencies are met with African retaliation sadly to their own detriment. The video herewith shows Chinese people praying to Bruce Lee for strength after receiving ‘ngonyas’.

Why do governments like ours protect the Chinese? Why don’t they even denounce them? Yes, many of them are in bed with the Chinese. Many do business with them and as is the mark of a greedy man, he will turn his back against his own for his own interest.

As part of its strategy to become an internationally competitive investment location, the Nambian government introduced the EPZ Act in 1995. The government hoped the EPZs would attract foreign investment and boost the country’s manufacturing capacity. It also expected employment creation of 25 000 jobs before the year 2000 but the unemployment rate stood at 20% in 2001.

EPZ companies were offered special incentives including a corporate tax holiday, exemption from import duties, free repatriation of profits and even exclusion of the right to strike.

The Chinese with a 100-year grand economic strategy took advantage of these loopholes and landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport, today most of those Chinese businesses are premised on EPZ policy, which seemingly puts our government in a difficult place to explain why those who they are in bed with have carte blanche and you are quick to apply the law sternly on your own people.

It is just decisions that were not thought out or improved that are haunting a sleeping leadership that rely on comradeship and delusional war credentials to protect the status quo. 

Some of these leaders are even oblivious of the counterfeit products Chinese sell. In fact, in years gone by a kwaito group, Hunger Boyz from South Africa, had a hit song ‘Fong Kong’ a reference to fake counterfeit, low quality products sold by the Chinese in Africa.

Government must revisit the contract they have with the Chinese if they want to see economic emancipation for the people, these people have dangerous interests in our continent.

The questions by activists and concerned citizens are genuine and Namibia is not the first place where there is a call to control Chinatowns.

#Free Dee & Michael

#Stop protecting foreigners 

Shaun Evert Gariseb

Autodidact

Katutura Central