THE Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) has called for caution as Government intensifies the expropriation of commercial farms.
A delegation of the umbrella body of some churches in the country met Prime Minister Theo Ben Gurirab yesterday and urged Government to ensure that the discomfort to those unfavourably affected was as minimal. In a statement read out by General Secretary Reverend Nangula Kathindi, the CCN said they were sensitive to the fact that the implementation of expropriation would necessarily cause a wide range of different reactions and emotions.Their main concern was that the land issue be addressed in such a manner as to ensure long-lasting reconciliation in Namibia.Earlier the CCN, through Kathindi, had expressed unhappiness with the slow progress of land reform while the recent evictions of farm workers “has been very disturbing”.She appealed to farmers not to delay the process and to claim fair prices when approached by Government.”Despite the slow redressing of past injustices relating to land reform, the Namibian nation has managed to maintain peace and stability.The CCN is also aware of numerous complaints that the principle of willing-seller, willing-buyer has not been effective,” said Kathindi.Gurirab told the 14-member delegation that Government was committed to peace and stability and would come up with workable ideas to solve problems such as land reform.Government has said it needs over N$1 billion to buy about nine million hectares of land.The CCN also called on Government to formulate a policy of national reconciliation for Namibia.”We believe it is necessary to have guidelines on reconciliation and that a formal policy on national reconciliation will serve as a tangible symbol for reconciliation in Namibia and facilitate ownership by ourselves of the process of reconciliation,” Kathindi said.She said peace, unity and stability could only be sustained through genuine reconciliation.Gurirab said Government’s goal was to ensure that national reconciliation brought all Namibians together for reconstruction and development.”We will achieve that noble goal if, and only if, we are united and work together with open hearts, knowing that we are at the end of the day working to serve and develop our people,” he stated.The CCN delegation was led by its President, Bishop Shihala Hamupembe.In a statement read out by General Secretary Reverend Nangula Kathindi, the CCN said they were sensitive to the fact that the implementation of expropriation would necessarily cause a wide range of different reactions and emotions.Their main concern was that the land issue be addressed in such a manner as to ensure long-lasting reconciliation in Namibia.Earlier the CCN, through Kathindi, had expressed unhappiness with the slow progress of land reform while the recent evictions of farm workers “has been very disturbing”.She appealed to farmers not to delay the process and to claim fair prices when approached by Government.”Despite the slow redressing of past injustices relating to land reform, the Namibian nation has managed to maintain peace and stability.The CCN is also aware of numerous complaints that the principle of willing-seller, willing-buyer has not been effective,” said Kathindi.Gurirab told the 14-member delegation that Government was committed to peace and stability and would come up with workable ideas to solve problems such as land reform.Government has said it needs over N$1 billion to buy about nine million hectares of land.The CCN also called on Government to formulate a policy of national reconciliation for Namibia.”We believe it is necessary to have guidelines on reconciliation and that a formal policy on national reconciliation will serve as a tangible symbol for reconciliation in Namibia and facilitate ownership by ourselves of the process of reconciliation,” Kathindi said.She said peace, unity and stability could only be sustained through genuine reconciliation.Gurirab said Government’s goal was to ensure that national reconciliation brought all Namibians together for reconstruction and development.”We will achieve that noble goal if, and only if, we are united and work together with open hearts, knowing that we are at the end of the day working to serve and develop our people,” he stated.The CCN delegation was led by its President, Bishop Shihala Hamupembe.
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