Sakaria Johannes
As Namibia approaches its elections on 27 November, political parties are unveiling their manifestos, each promising a brighter future for the nation. Among them, the SWAPO Party of Namibia, which has held power for 34 years, stands out with its persistent focus on youth empowerment. However, a closer look at their track record reveals a troubling discrepancy between their promises and actual results, raising critical questions about their ability to deliver on key issues affecting the youth.
Youth Empowerment: Promises vs. Results
High Unemployment Rates
SWAPO’s manifestos have consistently championed youth empowerment, with substantial funding directed towards youth projects and job creation. Despite these efforts, Namibia’s youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high at approximately 43.4% as of 2023, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). This stark reality calls into question the effectiveness of SWAPO’s strategies and the tangible impact on the youth.
Industrial Development
The party has promised to foster industrial growth to create job opportunities for the youth. However, the closure of key industries like Ramatex, along with the collapse of SME Bank and Air Namibia under SWAPO’s governance, raises concerns about the party’s ability to sustain and grow industrial enterprises. The lack of new, successful industrial ventures further highlights the gap between SWAPO’s promises and actual achievements.
Land Access and Informal Settlements
SWAPO’s manifesto did not emphasize clearly on land issues, yet many Namibians still struggle with inadequate access to land. Land access holds significant potential for youth empowerment and job creation. By providing young entrepreneurs and businesses with access to land, SWAPO could stimulate economic activity and create numerous opportunities for employment. Unfortunately, this potential remains largely untapped, with land distribution policies failing to prioritize and leverage land as a tool for youth development.
The proliferation of informal settlements is a significant concern, with many citizens living in substandard conditions due to inadequate land policies and planning. SWAPO’s plans for addressing land distribution and informal settlements remain vague, lacking specific timelines and actionable strategies.
Addressing Corruption
Another pressing issue that SWAPO must confront is corruption. Despite numerous anti-corruptions promises, the party has faced allegations and concerns regarding corruption within its ranks. Effective measures to combat corruption are crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit the youth and broader population. The current manifesto does not provide a clear, detailed plan for addressing corruption, which undermines confidence in SWAPO’s commitment to transparent governance.
Infrastructure Development and Social Equity
SWAPO has invested in major infrastructure projects, such as the State House, Home Affairs Office, Heroes’ Acre, and the Independence Memorial Museum. While these projects are significant, there is a perceived lack of focus on expanding public healthcare facilities and addressing the needs of the poor. The absence of new major hospitals outside Windhoek indicates a disparity in addressing public health needs, particularly for marginalized communities.
Token Appointments vs. Genuine Empowerment
A key concern in the debate over youth empowerment is the pattern of appointing a few young individuals to prominent positions. While these appointments may appear to be a gesture towards youth inclusion, they often fall short of genuine empowerment. Many of these individuals are criticized for not effectively channeling the youth agenda and instead being used as pawns within a system that still largely operates under outdated principles. Such token appointments do not address the broader needs of the youth or contribute to meaningful policy changes. Instead, they often serve to placate rather than empower the younger generation, perpetuating a cycle where their voices and concerns are not adequately addressed.
SWAPO’s manifestos have consistently highlighted youth empowerment as a key priority, yet the gap between promises and results remains significant. For Namibia’s future to be inclusive and prosperous, it is crucial for political parties to present realistic and actionable plans. The upcoming election provides an opportunity for voters to demand greater accountability and effective solutions that truly address the needs of the youth and broader population.
As Namibia moves forward, it is essential that all parties offer concrete strategies and demonstrate their ability to effect meaningful change. The youth must be at the forefront of this critical evaluation, ensuring that their voices and needs are genuinely addressed in the nation’s development plans. Token gestures are not sufficient; the youth deserve substantive action and real empowerment. Leveraging land access effectively could be a powerful tool for empowering youth and creating employment opportunities, but this potential remains largely unrealized under the current administration.
Sakaria Johannes is a Political studies and History graduate from the University of Namibia. He is a leftist whose interests are decoloniality, social justices and Pan Africanism. He can be reached at sackyuutsi@gmail.com
