We need to understand that tough economic times drive more people to commit suicide and crime. It is not only alcohol that is dangerous when mixed with drivers on the road. Financial stress and depression, amongst other things, can impair your ability to fully function as a driver. 

If your mind is not clear and you do not have complete control over your body, getting behind the wheel can lead to serious car accidents.

Namibia is seriously facing high suicides, road accidents and crimes due to the bad economy at these times. 

It is important to note that bad economic times result in more domestic violence and greater consumption of mind-altering substances, such as drugs and alcohol, leading to more violence in general. 

People living with untreated depression can experience a variety of physical health problems that can lead to death in some cases. In addition, in severe cases, a person living with depression may contemplate suicide. 

They may also resort to substance misuse for self-medication, which leads to death. Depression can make you feel like it is not worth investing in yourself for treatment. But because depression can have serious psychological and physical consequences, the faster you start treatment, the sooner you will be able to manage your symptoms. As an economist, I do not believe in political election manifestos. 

These political parties’ manifestos are baseless. People perceive these parties as ways of having representation for their views and
beliefs. 

This idea is true to a certain extent. However, over time, we see that these political parties have become entities of their own. When looking at the local authorities and the country, we have seen that one of the main priorities of both parties has become to keep and gain political control over one another. 

It seems that even in some instances, politicians on both sides make campaign promises and then abandon them once elected into office.

Furthermore, for me, it just seems like there are so many politicians who promote themselves as one thing on the campaign trail but seem to disappoint the people who put them in office. 

Now, do not get me wrong; I agree with people expressing their beliefs whenever they want. Although there is a strong correlation between an individual’s ideology and their party choice, Namibians hold a range of opinions on economic and social issues that do not always fit neatly onto a left-right scale. 

For this reason, I urge political parties to propose a political spectrum that charts individual beliefs on multiple dimensions. 

Therefore, we dare not take a moment to pause. Together, we shall challenge any political party to adhere to all promises in their manifestos.

The effects of economic

Today’s problems of economic development in Namibia are quite varied. They include government-related issues, social problems and issues arising from individual behaviour. 

One of the macroeconomic problems facing Namibia is the issue of unemployment. Economically and socially deprived economies where levels of poverty, unemployment and underemployment are very high are bound to affect economic activities. 

When people are not fully employed, they are bound to engage in different types of social strategy. To get rid of such discrepancy, the fruit of economic growth ought to reach every person within the remotest of Namibia. 

Income inequality and widespread poverty in Namibia is as a result of high unemployment. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the impact between social tension and economic growth, and to determine the direction of the causality. 

To be more specific, having insights into citizens’ mindset can help policymakers formulate policies and introduce measures that correspond to citizens’ expectations and needs. 

It is already well known that suicide rates increase in times of economic strife and uncertainty. The more negatively people view their prospects, the higher the likelihood of suicide. 

Young people are vulnerable. We are losing young and productive Namibians. The worry is that when young people feel rejected, economically excluded or politically disenfranchised, they may turn to extremism. 

Greater collaboration between government, companies, educators and others are seen as essential. 

Yet, given the sheer scale of youth unemployment, there is a growing recognition of the urgent need to intensify efforts to help young people become productive members of the workforce. 

Furthermore, the case of more than 600 fishermen, who allegedly resigned from the Cavema Joint Venture at Walvis Bay, requires urgent government intervention and find a win-win solution. 

It is important that leaders act as soon as possible. 

The case of about 300 B2Gold workers on suspension requires greater collaboration between government and B2Gold management. The time to act is now. 

Against this backdrop, however, there is reason to be hopeful. I truly believe that if we act quickly, we can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Going forward

We may never eliminate social problems within our lifetime, but we can set the stage for people to find a different way than in previous generations. 

Through education, treatment and consistency, people will be given more opportunities. That will help them to get the job they need to provide themselves with legitimate resources. 

If not, then our future might just be a world where people feel like they need to resort to social problems. 

It is important to understand that when citizens are freed from the worries of earning a livelihood to sustain their lives, they divert their attention to more useful things. 

They focus on education, improvise healthcare, and develop technologies that make life easy and much more. 

Poor economic condition is the root cause of so many problems that exist in a society. 

Namibia can reduce these social problems if the leaders are relevant to the people. 

There are reasons why people voted you to help them with bread and butter. 

A large chunk of the population lives below the poverty line. They live in miserable conditions with a lack of proper food, clothing and shelter, poor sanitation, dirty drinking water. 

Poverty gives rise to various other social problems. 

To that end, the motivation to commit social tension is not solely drawn from the expected economic benefits but from social disgruntlement and dissatisfaction. 

Therefore, I hope we can catalyse action on concrete solutions to ensure inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic development that is equitably shared by the people of
Namibia.