Amathila’s Praiseworthy Stance On San

I WISH to express my sincere gratitude and admiration for our Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Libertina Amathila, for her recent keen interest in the social and economic plight of the San communities in Namibia.

Recent media reports have indicated that she is busy visiting San communities and settlements in the country and that she has publicised their vulnerable situation. She has also courageously warned other groups and individuals to stop exploiting the San.This is a marked shift from previous Government interest and unofficial policy with regards the situation of the San in Namibia and I encourage her to use her influence and power to find a lasting solution to this untenable situation.Dr Amathila promised to table her fact-finding report to Cabinet and I trust that her colleagues will pay the necessary attention to this long overdue matter.Now is the time for Government to join forces with San organisations, the churches, civil society organisations and other interests groups that were for many years concerned with the marginalisation of the San in Namibia – the time has come to address this “social scar” on the beautiful image of Namibia.I trust that the Deputy Prime Minister will make her findings public, because I believe that this matter is in the national interest and every Namibian should contribute to alleviate the dire situation of the San.I would further encourage her to establish a national task force to implement any recommendations that might flow from this fact-finding mission and other initiatives.We cannot claim to be enjoying 15 years of Independence, while some groups live in “slavery”, misery and abject poverty.Clement Daniels WindhoekShe has also courageously warned other groups and individuals to stop exploiting the San.This is a marked shift from previous Government interest and unofficial policy with regards the situation of the San in Namibia and I encourage her to use her influence and power to find a lasting solution to this untenable situation.Dr Amathila promised to table her fact-finding report to Cabinet and I trust that her colleagues will pay the necessary attention to this long overdue matter.Now is the time for Government to join forces with San organisations, the churches, civil society organisations and other interests groups that were for many years concerned with the marginalisation of the San in Namibia – the time has come to address this “social scar” on the beautiful image of Namibia.I trust that the Deputy Prime Minister will make her findings public, because I believe that this matter is in the national interest and every Namibian should contribute to alleviate the dire situation of the San.I would further encourage her to establish a national task force to implement any recommendations that might flow from this fact-finding mission and other initiatives.We cannot claim to be enjoying 15 years of Independence, while some groups live in “slavery”, misery and abject poverty.Clement Daniels Windhoek