THE independently surveyed ‘Political Promise Index’’ (PPI) has maxed out prior to the election. ‘Pies in the Sky’ that exude chemically induced odours of future miracles are now tainted as their delusional charms begin to fade (and pong a bit) as voters recognise them for what they are; just like the Emperor’s clothes when he was exposed as being ‘in the all-together’ by an innocent child unaware of the ‘party line’. Political promises are often just that.
Namibians are well aware that all politicians, having got their vote, will forget them until the next election!Political foreplay before elections; student payouts, childish excuses about Chinese bursaries, delayed legal processes involving the ‘good and the great’ dipping into the national till, new cars for the Chiefs, dodgy railway purchases – the list goes on – show reality. Naturally these aberrations relate to the ruling party who vehemently deny (of course) any electioneering! Would other parties in power be any different or better? I very much doubt it. After the elections our political apartheid will continue to grow as the practice of democracy gets further corrupted for the benefit of the few; a process problem and perhaps Namibia needs to adapt its political process before jealousy, avarice and dishonesty consigns us the ‘Slough of Despond’. Is there a ‘Plan B’?Often solutions come from looking at extremes and adapting. Perhaps we should be looking at a despotic systems with a benevolent dictator – let’s call the position ‘Emperor’. Parliament would have to put aside their own self interest to change the Constitution but …. The Emperor’s Manifesto promises should perhaps look a little like that below to redirect the Nation towards equity and justice!The Emperor is committed to looking after the interests of the People of Namibia but makes no absolute promises beyond trying to be fair, honest, diligent and keeping his financial matters open to public scrutiny.The Legislature will be reduced to 26 members, 13 elected on merit and 13 by proportional party representation. The Emperor has the casting vote.The Emperor shall select 10 upright and honest citizen to advise on policy and act as a monitoring and oversight team – the Star Team.The number of ministries shall be reduced to 10 and Cabinet shall be made up of minsters and five Star Team members.All salaries will follow a common scale (Paterson theory) based on the Emperor’s salary; excesses will be heavily taxed except where skills shortage demand. Grades A/B will be five year postings then new (younger) employees will assume positions; more senior posts will be on a limited contract basis and judged against audited outcomes.A Basis Income Grant (BIG) will be paid to all through the Post Office electronic system but will be dependant upon individual compliance with certain responsibilities (i.e. regular HIV testing and going for feedback).Tertiary education is a privilege not a right and for the diligent. All Grade 10 students with 21 to 30 points will be offered a cash payment to stop school and become economically active.Funds will come from reducing Foreign Affairs to six Consulates, reducing (redeploying) the Defence Force to a N$750 million budget and progressive consolidation of ministries.Jobs will grow in energy and transport sectors as trade and energy are growth sectors in a world of climate change.All tenders, bids, acceptances and progress will be openly displayed on the Internet.Lots more ideas but …. We have to see reality now not delude ourselves about the Emperors finery, only his impact! Who wants the job!csmith@mweb.com.na
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