Churches want transparency in expropriation

THE National Committee of Lutheran Churches in Namibia has expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the manner the Government carries out expropriation.

A statement issued by four Bishops of the Lutheran Churches said fear and uncertainty about their future was growing, not only for farm owners, but also for the farm workers. “Commercial farmers, together with their employees, are a very important part of our economy.Their skills to produce food must be utilised,” they said.The statement was issued on behalf of former Swapo politician, Bishop Zephania Kameeta (ELCRN), Bishop R.Keding (ELCIN GELC), Bishop J.Sindano (ELCIN) and Bishop T.Shivute (ELCIN).”We are aware that farmers whose properties are earmarked for expropriation will not find it easy to accept it, but we ask them to co-operate with the Ministry (of Lands) in a fair way,” they said.The churches said they “hope and pray” that all stakeholders in the land reform process would find the resolution to keep stability and peace.Two weeks ago, Lands Minister Hifikepunye Pohamba announced that the first farmers were to be served with notices of expropriation.The Lutheran Church said it acknowledged the “constitutional right of the Government to do so”, but called for care since it was dealing with “sensitive issue”.”Commercial farmers, together with their employees, are a very important part of our economy.Their skills to produce food must be utilised,” they said.The statement was issued on behalf of former Swapo politician, Bishop Zephania Kameeta (ELCRN), Bishop R.Keding (ELCIN GELC), Bishop J.Sindano (ELCIN) and Bishop T.Shivute (ELCIN).”We are aware that farmers whose properties are earmarked for expropriation will not find it easy to accept it, but we ask them to co-operate with the Ministry (of Lands) in a fair way,” they said.The churches said they “hope and pray” that all stakeholders in the land reform process would find the resolution to keep stability and peace.Two weeks ago, Lands Minister Hifikepunye Pohamba announced that the first farmers were to be served with notices of expropriation.The Lutheran Church said it acknowledged the “constitutional right of the Government to do so”, but called for care since it was dealing with “sensitive issue”.