Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro
With its mantra of “business unusual”, needless to mention, the 8th administration of Namibia, new as it may be and proffered and sounded and perceived to be under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is essentially old.
The Swapo of Namibia is a long-standing political party that has undergone constant change, transformation, transition, and metamorphosis. In many aspects and respects. Whether democratically, ideologically, politically or otherwise, it must have its work cut out. Navigating the entrenched capitalist system in the country and fulfilling the ideal of “business unusual” is undoubtedly a challenging task. Let alone giving it a definition and practical meaning to the mantra.
As per the party’s 2024 election manifesto, one of its foremost economic pillars is economic growth. Economic growth can only be achieved with the necessary and sufficient volume of investments. That the party very well recognises. On the face of it, the Namibian political and democratic environment is and may be conducive for attracting foreign investments. As when talking about investment, local investments are not ordinarily spoken of and about very much, with the focus on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). With the FDI is often the target of galleries that are played to in terms of peace and stability.
But the sad reality is that such peace and stability have not been paralleled by economic stability, as evidenced by increasing inequality, unemployment and poverty. Meaning peace and stability, which are sine qua non for investments, are not guaranteed in the long term in the face of a deteriorating socio-economic backyard in Namibia. Not to mention the disequilibrium that may arise between investments and investors on the one hand, and “business unusual” and its provocateurs, advocates and adherents.
All these, of course, depend on what NNN and the team envisage and mean by “business unusual”. If their “business is unusual”. Whether it is just a political rhetorical or bluff, as has been proven by many a political predecessor, and ideological hoodwink. If it can be termed an ideology at all other than just what it appears to be, an ideological mirage, which with time it may be proven to be, and rather an ideological Trojan horse, bound to lose its catch as the electorate becomes disenchanted with it. It is likely that NNN and its associates will eventually withdraw into their own sphere of influence. One cannot but wonder what lager this time around NNN and fellow shall be retreating into and which of the many excuses and rationalisations they shall be offering and falling back on. Given that the Namibian people, especially those who have invested their most valuable possessions, their trust and vote, may adopt the attitude of once bitten, twice shy as much as for the past 35 years, this seems not to have been the case.
At best, If it is just political rhetoric, as it may and could be, NNN and the team may just, and just luckily and safely, ride on their rhetorical horse for only their term of five years without any consequence. Because this is what the Swapo Party of Namibia has been thriving on for the last 35 years and still has been returned to power. Depending on whether this time around the Namibian electorate, typically, shall be prepared to be fed, for yet another five years, with political rhetoric only to once again entrust the party, and whoever its next presidential candidate may be, with another five-year tenure.
But if “business unusual” is more than just a political bluff but ideologically inspired and driven, this is where one can expect a rough patch. Because this means dealing with somehow coming to terms and confronting the prevailing capitalist system. That, needless to say, is ever vigilant of its survival and shall jealously continue to guard its interest and survival by any means necessary. We all know the way many a brave and progressive African sons (and daughters few and far between, if they ever have been) and leaders of other parts of the so-called Third World and/or South, namely Latin America and Indonesia. Who, for opening their eyes and being true to the interests of their people, were instead considered not only challenging capitalism but threatening it and the developed Western nations per se. They were dealt with, for some simply killed by assassinations and other unimaginable, inhuman, dehumanising and brutalising excesses.
Thus, if ideologically motivated and inspired, NNN’s task to navigate and promote her mantra of “business unusual” may not be as easy as it has seemed, sounded, and been believed. The critical question is, what if capitalism, which has long ruled the world and to which Namibia seems admiringly beholden—thereby allowing its own subjugation—rejects NNN and company’s fortitude for “business unusual”? Capitalism and its drivers, independence notwithstanding, tell from the attitudes and approaches of administrations before the current, have just been much more comfortably entrenched. Would they persevere? Especially in view of the unpalatable consequences that, at the least, veering away from capitalism may have wrought upon the country. Especially the masses who, needless to say, may eventually have to carry the brunt.
Resilience is undoubtedly crucial in this situation. That is if “business unusual” means that eventually the second phase of the Namibian Revolution is nigh. Is NNN in reality ready, or at least ready to start readying and preparing Namibia for this phase? Not to mention the whole country that has yet to be told what “business unusual” practically is and what it entails and may entail. With “business as usual” remaining for now what it is. NNN and company are engaging in pure self-fulfilling political imagination, devoid of any underlying ideology.
Certainly, this is not just a question for the president to ponder and answer alone. The president’s team should also consider this issue. Do members of her team have what it takes, especially what may be her ideological inclination in rocking the capitalist boat in the name of Namibia? Equally, does Namibia as a country also have what it takes in this regard? Because the dire straits that may ensue should the president mean it and be determined ideologically with “business unusual” shall, needless to say, be unthinkable.
