Staff Reporter
“TO say that this year has been a difficult year would be an understatement.”
This was the opening remark of President Hage Geingob at the last Cabinet meeting of 2021.
According to the Namibian leader, an unprecedented level of challenges was faced due to the devastation caused by Covid-19.
However, through swift and decisive action, the nation has been able to avert a potential humanitarian disaster, Geingob said.
Describing it as the year of resilience, he said the way government responded to the challenges of 2021 demonstrated that after 31 years of independence, Namibia has established a mature democracy, defined by a robust governance architecture that is buttressed by stable processes, systems and institutions.
“In the face of untold losses, our Government has stood strong and Cabinet has responded to multiple crises with swiftness, resolve and purpose,” the President said.
“In the midst of immense human loss, we have provided the nation with the reassurance of direction, order and security.”
Geingob commended the frontline workers in the fight against the pandemic who put their lives at risk daily. These include healthcare workers, first responders, the Namibian Defence Force, law enforcement agencies and public officials.
“Although all of us have been touched by Covid-19, I am pleased to say that the work of Cabinet has not suffered,” the President said.
“Where we had to innovate and adopt technological means for decision-making, we have done so effectively. Indeed, during this war against the coronavirus, the spirit of Harambee has come to the fore and carried us through the storm.”
Geingob, however, said despite the government’s best efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, the threat of a fourth wave looms large.
“The detection of the Omicron variant in Namibia places us in danger of returning to more stringent measures if we do not as a nation collectively take the necessary steps to avoid rapid spreading,” he warned.
The President said the country will not defeat the deadly virus unless every person takes individual responsibility in favour of the common good.
“Covid-19 is transmitted by human beings and the pandemic is killing largely those who are unvaccinated,” Geingob noted.
He said the unvaccinated are undermining the efforts of Government and reversing the gains made in the fight so far.
The President also pointed a finger at people who do not respect health protocols by refusing to wear masks and practice social distancing.
“If we are truly committed to defeating this enemy and returning towards focusing our efforts on nation building and economic development, then we must all be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure victory,” he said.
The President stated that Government through the Cabinet has provided the means for economic recovery, but the collective responsibility to spearhead the fight against poverty, corruption and income inequality cannot take a backseat due to Covid-19.
“We have a Constitutional mandate to fulfil. At this critical stage, we are cognizant that many Namibians have had their livelihoods plunged into disarray,” he said.
Geingob called on Cabinet to achieve a swift and robust implementation rate of cabinet decisions as a means to aid economic recovery but noted that recovery will only be possible if the nation pulls in the same direction.
“If we not achieve the desired vaccination rate to secure herd immunity, our recovery efforts will be jeopardized,” he said.
“If we fall behind due to failure to vaccinate, we will remain a risk to ourselves and others.”
In terms of stimulating economic growth, Cabinet requires targeted policy interventions that will kick-start economic growth and allow them to create much-needed jobs, especially for the youth, he said.
“Despite limited fiscal space, we will need to be creative and innovative to provide a soft landing for those who have been hit the hardest financially.
Geingob said during 2021 decisive actions were taken aimed at reinvigorating economic growth and resilience, augmenting food security, as well as cutting Government expenditure.
These are the launch of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II with its attendant Economic Recovery Plan; the issuance of the request for proposals for the Southern Development Corridor Initiative which include the development of two strategic sites for the development of the Green Hydrogen and Ammonia, as well as the award of the tender to the successful bidder, Hydrogen Green Energy; the development and approval of the Sovereign Wealth Fund and funding Framework; and the listing of MTC on the Namibian Stock Exchange.
In addition, an Auction System for Government Objectives Fish Quota was introduced which raised more money for Government than the previous system; two Task Forces under HPPII were appointed to look into Namibia’s readiness for the fourth industrial revolution and the legislative framework with a view to introducing business rescue as an alternative to liquidation; the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy was revised and approved which will enhance sustained food and nutrition security at household levels; the Air Namibia Airbus A330 Lease agreement was terminated to reduce public debt and State subsidies to loss-making State-owned enterprises.
“As we bring this year to a close, we look forward to a new dawn which brings with it immense hope and possibility,” Geingob said.
