Poverty and inequalities indeed have a profound impact on the dignity of Namibians, as highlighted by the World Food Programme’s report on undernourishment and the tragic deaths of children in the cattle country region. Despite Namibia’s abundance of natural resources and land, these issues persist due to various factors that have stripped away the dignity of its people.

Bad governance, corruption, and nepotism: The failure to effectively address poverty and inequality has left many Namibians without access to basic necessities such as proper meals, shelter  and sanitation. Corruption and nepotism exacerbate these issues by diverting resources away from those who need them most and perpetuating a system where some thrive while the majority suffer. The result is a loss of dignity for Namibians who are left to fend for themselves in dire circumstances.

Lack of policies implementation: Even when well-intentioned policies exist to uplift Namibians, their effectiveness is often hampered by a lack of implementation. It’s crucial for the government to ensure that these policies are not just words on paper but are backed by concrete actions that lead to meaningful change. Formulate policies that focus on poverty eradication such as introducing universal basic income, invested in entrepreneurs and stimulate the economy for job-creation. Without proper implementation, development is hindered, and poverty persists, further eroding the dignity of the population.

Lack of inclusivity: Namibia’s society is marked by stark inequalities, where only a privileged few benefit from the nation’s wealth, while many others are left behind. Inclusivity should be at the forefront of policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that all Namibians have equal access to opportunities and resources. Examples such as equitable distribution of fish quotas can help alleviate poverty and reduce inequalities by ensuring that wealth is shared across all regions of the country.

Addressing poverty and inequalities in Namibia requires a concerted effort to tackle issues of governance, corruption, policy implementation and inclusivity. With proper governance, transparency, effective policies and a commitment to inclusivity, Namibia can overcome these challenges and restore the dignity of its people.

*Turimove K Katjipo represents the Better Life Movement.

Email: kturymuje@gmail.com