The alternative to NEEEF is . . . NEEEF

JOHN FREDERICKS WRITES:Economic inequality seems to be worsening in Namibia. The wealth and resources are exclusively and increasingly concentrated within the clutches of those that have historically, materially and financially benefited from the previous dispensation.Economic inequality coupled with high unemployment seems to be the two factors that pose great challenges to the stability in our country.Namibia is not the only country on the continent or even in the world that is addressing previous “crimes committed against its people”. The only difference for Namibia is that the government of the day is a consultative government.The fact that the government, elected by the majority of Namibians (black and white) do not arbitrarily redistribute the wealth and resources equally amongst all Namibians are indicative of the intention of the government to engage all stakeholders to address this very disturbing social evil that is having the potential to tear our country apart.The proposed Bill is still widely misinterpreted (at times deliberately) and completely taken out of context. The noble intention of the government (not SWAPO) with this NEEEF is to redress, address and correct some of the social and economic evils/crimes of the past, in the most humane, acceptable, legalistic and democratic manner.The major contention regarding the proposed 25% ownership to be transferred to formally disadvantaged Namibians (with or without compensation) seems to be the boogeyman story to scare off potential investors and is used by beneficiaries of the Apartheid economy to create discontent, fear and disunity amongst the Namibian local business community.Studies have indicated and shown where workers have become co-owners, productivity increased, absenteeism declined, there are less damage to machines, tools etc. Co-owners can also not go on strike to mention, just a few of the benefits, compared to the 25%, which technically, financially and in terms of ownership, remains part of the business or company.SKILLS, SKILLS, SKILLSIn my view, skills development and transfer of skills and expertise should be the driving force behind NEEEF so that the historical inequalities can be addressed in a sustainable, cost effective and comradely manner that would not only benefit a few elites, but instead would create a sense of ownership, accountability and managerial skills amongst the workers. At the same time, those that previously benefited from the inhumane system of oppression and exploitation, are granted an opportunity to help our country in creating a peaceful transition to economic equality.Philip Dexter in an opinion piece stated that “poverty, inequality and unemployment, as well as disease, skills and access to services, are still determined to a large degree, by the patterns of ownership and power created under colonialism, slavery and apartheid” and I believe this was reproduced through our Policy of Reconciliation, which had the noble intention to maintain peace and stability in our country.It is now, after 27 years, the opportune time to arrest, redress and address this vicious form of exploitation and inequalities.

The alternative to NEEEF is . . . NEEEF

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Republikein 2025-04-18

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The alternative to NEEEF is . . . NEEEF

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Republikein 2025-04-18

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