Flipside—Chris Jacobie
Very few Namibians will argue against a democratic reset when the ruling party is beleaguered by factionalism and when the parliamentarian opposition is a tribal cabal at best and opportunistic at worst.
Namibians do not have to look far for serious fault lines and a growing communication gap or a collapse of credibility in politicians, because of the capturing of political power by their own technocrats or own ego’s that does not resemble reality.
And it happens, because directors and Executive Directors, unlike their political bosses, are not held accountable by the electorate or they are as incompetent as those that are elected into village-, town- or regional councils and the National Assembly.
To blame a president for weak ministers is like a turkey turning up, because it received an invitation to the Christmas dinner.
Just like previous presidents, the new president will have to choose her team from a party list, and if the fishrot scandal taught Namibians anything it is that a list from which a president can operate, it is the one he received from his delegates. That is his team sheet and he or she must make the best of it.
Sacky Shangala and Bernhard Esau had to be on the list to have the power to implement their criminal venture and there was no one better than Shangala to amend the electoral act and the fisheries act that gave the ministers more power than the cabinet and parliament, because the amendments were approved by all parties.
Engineered democracy came at a huge cost and the damage is not yet determined, but it can be stopped by delegates of all parties who make sure that those who can serve, do serve and not by those that see parliament or councils as a food-for-work programme.
Serving people is self-sacrificing not a seduction and a promise of reaching never-never land.
Unfortunately Namibians are not spared election interference, fake news and all the evils of populism that is observed all over the world.
In a world where tech holds the cards the people are always trumped. Therefore, Namibians must tackle the crisis of democracy once again knowing it will not be solved overnight, but have a better chance, with a possibility of a woman president, because she has a pedigree of discipline and values.
Me. Ndaitwah instills trust and therefore is the best opportunity that presents itself to break from the habit of political opportunism in the upcoming elections. Namibians do not need more politicians. There are already too many self-styled “honourables” and too little humble servants nominated by their communities.
When parties and individuals compete for parliamentary seats they should be able to answer two questions and voters can do the same: Did the candidate put more into Namibia than he or she will get out of Namibia when they are elected or promoted to parliament, cabinet and councils?
Secondly, are those who promise to serve the people of Namibia prepared to serve the nation without a salary for the times when the legislature of councils are not in session?
But fake news, election interference and non-governmental organisations also have their fingers in the pot and Namibians cannot ignore the new phenomenon that everybody with a smartphone believe they are entitled to a second chance, because they have their fingers on an expensive keyboard.
If someone who had no opportunity must give somebody who had an opportunity a second opportunity it is not a willingness to serve. It is an entitlement and an insult to those who do not have a network, cell phone or credit to participate in a political game of seduction and not ability.
There are many observers and self-appointed political scientists that refer to the Swapo pot as burning or overcooking on the fires that factions are boiling under.
It’s worse. The fires in the democratic contest for positions are now stoked by self-interests, while everyday Namibians have the right to expect something better from the pot that since 2012 cooked op division, tribalism and corruption.
They want their fair share and leaders in the Namibian house that serve the servants before helping themselves.
Namibians have the recipe of trust, unity, reconciliation and peace. The don’t have to fix the recipe.
They should just control the heat and serve all equally.