Mallex Shipanga
Following President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s electoral victory on 3 December, it is still unknown whether Swapo’s job creation promises will come to fruition during her presidency.
An economist, Helana Mboti explained the economic implications of the job creation promises that are not kept.
“I will not comment on Swapo’s ability, but on the economic need as a whole,” she said.
Mboti emphasized quality over quantity.
“While ambitious job creation targets are possible, it’s crucial to prioritize quality over quantity. We need to consider the sustainability of these jobs and their impact on people’s lives,” she said.
Mboti also explained that long-term economic challenges need to be addressed.
”A surge in short-term, low-skilled jobs, like those in construction, might initially decrease unemployment figures but may not address long-term economic challenges. We need to invest in sectors that create lasting, well-paying positions that contribute to a thriving economy,” she said.
Many unemployed citizens doubt that the promises of job creation will come to fruition.
Karli Human, 27, is an unemployed woman in Swakopmund.
Human explained that she does not believe that 500 000 jobs will be created during the next five years.
“It is clear that Swapo has had numerous opportunities to foster job creation but has failed to make significant progress,” she said.
Human detailed the reasons behind her doubt.
“Namibia’s education system doesn’t adequately equip young people for the job market. Many students have to seek higher education in South Africa or other countries. The lack of local opportunities leads to a so-called brain drain,” she said.
Human also commented on the nation’s weak industrial base.
“Namibia lacks a strong industrial base—there are very few factories that produce goods locally, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports. This raises living costs and widens the gap between the rich and poor. Without significant investment in industries that generate employment, I don’t see how Swapo can create sustainable jobs,” she said.
Despite her doubts, Human suggested various ways for the nation to address unemployment.
“Namibia needs to invest in local industries, improve education, and support entrepreneurs. Without such foundational changes, job creation promises will remain unfulfilled no matter what your political standing is,” she said.
Hilia Shikongo (23) is a final year student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) who has been job hunting since October 2023.
She is one of the many students nearing the brink of graduation who fear unemployment.
Shikongo questioned Nandi-Ndaitwah‘s claims that 500 000 jobs will be created during the next five years.
“If they are not able to offer assistance to students, who need internship placements, how will they be able to offer 500 000 jobs?” she asked.
Shikongo also commented on the amount of unemployed graduates.
“We have so many graduates, not just the ones that graduated recently but the ones who graduated five years ago, sitting at home with their degrees. I am sure they were told the same thing five years ago. It is like an endless cycle. Every five years they sing the same lullaby and it becomes discouraging to even send out your CVs because you already know there will be no positive feedback,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that Swapo will create more than 500 000 jobs over the next five years.
According to the latest statistics from the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the unemployment rate stood at 19.6% and the youth unemployment rate was at 46.1% in 2023.
