Pensions For Politicians
IT IS quite interesting to note that most of the liberation movements or fronts in Africa who fought colonial regimes are still in power, after so many years.
But I also do not believe that this scenario confirms the weakness of the opposition parties to take over the governance of their respective countries.
In reference to the liberation fronts, we are talking of the ANC (South Africa), Frelimo (Mozambique), Zanu-PF (Zimbabwe) and Swapo (Namibia).
Equally, the war veterans of yesteryear in such liberation movements make up much of the current leadership and other governmental structures. Most of the leaders are above 60 years.
Of paramount dismay is that the retirement age (60 years in Namibia) does not mean anything to most leaders until poor health takes them out of public sight.
In this ciuntry, the much talked-about political topic is the next Swapo presidential candidate. The three anticipated candidates in the persons of Nahas Angula, Hage Geingob and Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana are not younger than 60 years. So, I personally do not expect anything exciting should one of them be elected.
The Namibian Constitution states that every citizen of Namibia by birth or descent, over the age of thirty five (35) shall be eligible for election as President.
The 35 age limit is clear; and everyone also knows that from 60 years of age a person becomes a pensioner. Now, what is so difficult for our leaders to embrace pension and indulge themselves in their retirement?
The other day, I listened to some who are against 43-year-old Elijah Ngurare running for another term as Swapo Youth League President.
Why should Ngurare be judged on his age when you have old people in their 70s and 80s still refusing to depart from top leadership?
The young people are currently stressed and frustrated because the leadership has not made it favourable or conducive for the youth to completely participate and influence the economy in best ways possible. Simply put, these old comrades cannot visualise what the youth of today seek or aspire to have or do in the next 15 or 20 years. All they do well is to blame the imperialists or colonisers as the reason why the country is still in dire trouble.
The time for war is long gone; it is now time for economic freedom, emancipation of the mind to contemplate phenomenal ideas.
Gerhard Sam
By email