Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Mines and Energy, during a robust panel discussion on the future of Namibia ahead of the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, said that while he agrees with the idea of eliminating legislation and policies that distinguish between races, only time will tell whether the government can do away with policies such as land tax for white male farmers.
A notice shared earlier this year revealed that white male farm owners are the only Namibians required to pay land tax without the possibility of applying for any exemptions.
During the discussion at the SKW Sport Klub in the capital, Alweendo was questioned by an audience member who opined that white males are the most disadvantaged under the current legislation. “Is there any idea of a sunset clause so that there is no race-related legislation?” the minister was asked.
In response, Alweendo explained that the Namibian government implemented such policies to address historical injustices caused by colonialism and apartheid.
“We need to address that. At what point will we think that we have addressed it and that everyone is treated equally, based solely on merit and not on their group identity? That’s the goal. But if you establish a sunset clause and, after 20 or 30 years, realize you have not addressed anything, then you haven’t solved the problem. Are we at a point where we still need these kinds of policies? When we engage in discussions like this, we can perhaps argue that such policies are no longer necessary. But to set a benchmark and say, ‘In 20 years, this will no longer apply,’ only to find the situation remains unchanged, would be shortsighted,” Alweendo said.
He added, however, that he agrees in principle that a system distinguishing between race groups cannot exist perpetually.
“The solution can only come when we reach a point where we say the issues that justified these policies no longer exist. At that point, you can do away with them,” the minister concluded.
