I firmly believe that the proliferation of political parties in Namibia warrants serious public scrutiny.
At a time when our country continues to grapple with unemployment, poverty, inequality, inadequate housing and limited economic opportunities for young people, we must question whether every newly established political party represents a genuine commitment to national development or merely another avenue for individual political advancement.
In my considered opinion, establishing a political party does not automatically demonstrate patriotism, visionary leadership or a sincere desire to improve the lives of Namibians.
What matters is the substance of its ideology, the credibility of its leadership and the practicality of its proposed solutions to the challenges facing our society.
Where individuals establish political parties without presenting a distinctive vision, a coherent policy framework or a convincing explanation of how they intend to improve upon existing alternatives, legitimate questions arise about their underlying motivations.
Is the objective genuinely to transform society, or is political participation being used as a vehicle for personal recognition, influence and potential material enrichment?
I do not contend that every founder of a new political party is driven by selfish interests. However, Namibians must remain vigilant against political opportunism disguised as public service.
The suffering of ordinary citizens must never become a business opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their personal interests through political platforms.
- The Unfinished Promise of Independence
Namibia’s independence in 1990 was a historic achievement that restored national sovereignty and opened the possibility of a more dignified and equitable future. However, independence was never supposed to be the final destination of our political journey. It was meant to establish the foundation for economic emancipation, social justice and sustainable national development.
The central concern today is that several established political parties have struggled to adequately address the evolving socioeconomic needs of Namibians. Although the country has made important advances in constitutional governance, infrastructure and access to public services, persistent unemployment, poverty, inequality, housing shortages and limited opportunities for young people indicate that the promise of independence remains incompletely realised.
In my assessment, some established political formations appear to rely excessively on their historical contributions to the liberation struggle, without demonstrating sufficient responsiveness to the demands of contemporary governance. The political priorities that defined the struggle for independence cannot, by themselves, provide adequate solutions to the complex economic and social challenges of a sovereign nation.
Liberation was the beginning of our national responsibility, not the conclusion of it.
The task confronting Namibia today requires a decisive transition from liberation-centred political narratives towards developmental leadership characterised by economic diversification, industrialisation, job creation, educational reform, technological advancement and inclusive growth.
Historical achievements deserve recognition, but they cannot permanently substitute for present-day performance. The generation that secured independence deserves our respect; those entrusted with governing the independent nation must demonstrate their capacity to translate that achievement into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
This is precisely why the electorate must examine both established and emerging political parties critically. A new political organisation is not inherently superior to an older one, just as longevity does not automatically establish competence.
