A Necessary Step

I WOULD like to express my view about the proposed BIG coalition hotly debated among various Namibian groups.

This already overdue move should be supported by all Namibians as it is one of the necessary steps which may help people to reform into an equal society. Though we do not speak about the word “class” in Namibia when we refer to different living standards of the society; lower class, middle class or higher class, in reality we live by this way and distribution of needs is somehow being made on this basis.That’s why the poor remain poor and rich remain rich.And no effective development, in my conviction, will succeed in such a society.In Namibia we would have been exceptional in this regard, for some reasons.We are the last country to achieve our independence; we have experienced a lot where our fellow Africans have failed; we’re not living in a poor country as far as natural resources are concerned.Again we’re not yet overpopulated.Where we missed the point, I can’t say.The poor education policy we have had since independence and the accelerated setup of towns in rural areas or self enrichment behaviour which prevails in society, might be the reasons.Thus the majority of the population finds itself now in a lower class.I therefore understand this BIG coalition move as something positive to redress the situation and to reform our methods which have been used so far to respond to people’s needs.This move, if it comes into being, will not only demonstrate brotherly and sisterly love for one another which is lacking in many African countries, but it will also set a genuine example for the continent.However, awkward ideas in the plan must be revealed, such as the fact that the allowance should be for every citizen, unemployed and employed alike.One can ask oneself how this idea has come about? Mr Naholo, who tried to clarify the matter on Oshiwambo radio, fails to convince the listeners.For what reason should the workers benefit from this grant, when they already have salaries? This is inconsistent with the idea of reducing poverty in society.In the end, those who earn enough from their work will be the ones to benefit much more from the programme.Consequently, the fundamental objective to create a classless society has already been vanishing.Did the people in dire need (lower class) also get asked to give their input in the plan? If not so, why? It was necessary for them to take part and to be one of the coalitions, never mind how much they contribute.The fear that the plan might make Namibians dependent on the basic income grant forever, is quite important.For it has been the colonial policy to deny the Africans proper education which might lead them to be independent; instead they had to make do with crumbs, while being forced to thank their masters.Therefore, BIG should not be considered as a final resort for solving the poverty problem.Much more has to be done to give them the necessary skills and know-how, and this must go hand-in-hand with a BIG programme.Changing the fate of the majority of our people by destroying the lower class, cannot be underestimated.Many things have to change first, on the leadership side too; the hearts, minds and attitudes as well.Sebulon Ekandjo OniipaThough we do not speak about the word “class” in Namibia when we refer to different living standards of the society; lower class, middle class or higher class, in reality we live by this way and distribution of needs is somehow being made on this basis.That’s why the poor remain poor and rich remain rich.And no effective development, in my conviction, will succeed in such a society.In Namibia we would have been exceptional in this regard, for some reasons.We are the last country to achieve our independence; we have experienced a lot where our fellow Africans have failed; we’re not living in a poor country as far as natural resources are concerned.Again we’re not yet overpopulated.Where we missed the point, I can’t say.The poor education policy we have had since independence and the accelerated setup of towns in rural areas or self enrichment behaviour which prevails in society, might be the reasons.Thus the majority of the population finds itself now in a lower class.I therefore understand this BIG coalition move as something positive to redress the situation and to reform our methods which have been used so far to respond to people’s needs.This move, if it comes into being, will not only demonstrate brotherly and sisterly love for one another which is lacking in many African countries, but it will also set a genuine example for the continent.However, awkward ideas in the plan must be revealed, such as the fact that the allowance should be for every citizen, unemployed and employed alike.One can ask oneself how this idea has come about? Mr Naholo, who tried to clarify the matter on Oshiwambo radio, fails to convince the listeners.For what reason should the workers benefit from this grant, when they already have salaries? This is inconsistent with the idea of reducing poverty in society.In the end, those who earn enough from their work will be the ones to benefit much more from the programme.Consequently, the fundamental objective to create a classless society has already been vanishing.Did the people in dire need (lower class) also get asked to give their input in the plan? If not so, why? It was necessary for them to take part and to be one of the coalitions, never mind how much they contribute.The fear that the plan might make Namibians dependent on the basic income grant forever, is quite important.For it has been the colonial policy to deny the Africans proper education which might lead them to be independent; instead they had to make do with crumbs, while being forced to thank their masters.Therefore, BIG should not be considered as a final resort for solving the poverty problem.Much more has to be done to give them the necessary skills and know-how, and this must go hand-in-hand with a BIG programme.Changing the fate of the majority of our people by destroying the lower class, cannot be underestimated.Many things have to change first, on the leadership side too; the hearts, minds and attitudes as well.Sebulon Ekandjo Oniipa