Stefanus Nashama
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) seeks to raise the budget for agriculture to 10% if elected to power later this month.
Party leader, McHenry Venaani shared information at a rally in Oshakati over the weekend.
“We seek to increase the budgetary allocation for agriculture to 10% in line with the Malabo Protocol to achieve agricultural modernisation and mechanization,” he said.
Venaani believes that only by expanding access to affordable agricultural inputs and technologies can the government address food insecurity.
“In addressing food insecurity we shall also be expanding access to affordable agricultural inputs and technologies for smallholder farmers, particularly in rural areas where food insecurity is most acute,” he explained.
He said the PDM government will ensure food distribution to vulnerable populations, which will be a critical priority.
Venaani also stated that the party aims to reduce the unemployment rate to 11% by the year 2029.
“We will reduce the unemployment rate to 11% by 2029 through our ‘One Constituency– One Factory’ policy intervention,” he said.
He also pledged to implement a social welfare program for unemployed Namibians.
“We will implement a comprehensive social welfare programme for unemployed Namibians between the ages of 21 and 59, of which benefits shall be determined in line with the annual performance of the economy,” he emphasized.
Regarding health issues, Venaani stated his government will implement universal health coverage (UHC) for all Namibians.
He said tax imposition and a primary healthcare approach would achieve this.
“We will also improve the current basic education curriculum across the board and address infrastructural deficits in schools, including challenges faced by teachers,” he added.
Venaani’s government will not tolerate the persecution of former presidents, their families, or any political opponents.
“Let me be clear: when I take the presidency, there will be no vendettas, no persecution of former presidents or their families, or any political opponents,” he reiterated.
He also promised to retain army generals and security heads in the security apparatus.
“Any army general or security head in the security apparatus who has conducted themselves with professionalism and in the utmost interest of this country will be retained. My goal is not to punish anyone, but to build a country that serves all Namibians,” said Venaani.
