“Namibia - rebirth of a Nation"

[ 40 minutes ]

After twenty three years of bitter armed struggle against South African forces of occupation - on the 21st March 1990 - Namibia attained independence.

 

With independence has come dignity, a strong sense of national pride and a constitution proudly acclaimed as one of the best in the world - with its emphasis on the protection of human rights and personal liberty.

 

Showing courage and optimistic enthusiasm, Namibians are tackling the task of rebuilding a nation dispossessed by a lifetime of colonial domination - and devastated by decades of occupation by South African Security Forces.

 

The challenge is daunting.

An estimated 44 000 Namibian exiles have returned home.

Housing is in desperate short supply and unemployment currently runs at around 50% of the adult population.

 

Under these circumstances, it is difficult to see how even the modest aspirations of living wage, employment and housing can be met by the newly elected government.

For the majority of Namibians, independence has had no meaningful effect on the quality of their day to day lives. Perhaps it is too soon - as there are so many inherited

problems-to be addressed.

Ironically, those who can be seen to benefit from independence are those who thrived under the past regime.

Recognising the need to pre-empt an exodus of white expertise, skills and investment capital, the new Namibian government -as a matter of priority - introduced the policy

of "national reconciliation", calling on all Namibians to forget the grievances of the past and to work together –to build a prosperous and united Namibia.

In effect, this has meant that those who have held the economic power under the past regime, continue to do so. With the lifting of international sanctions against Namibia

new world markets have opened up for the status quo who now also enjoy re-acceptance into the international sporting arena. .

In short, the new government has succeeded in reconciling the

"haves"; it remains to be seen to what extent this government - elected by the people after 23 years of liberation struggle - will be successful in meeting the aspirations of the majority - who remain the "have nots".

 

This challenge and the consistent refusal of the government to address the public outcry over SWAPOO detention camps – and the fate of those who remain missing in exile - will prove the biggest test for SWAPO at the polls in five years time.