Creating, Not Dividing, Wealth

EVERY five years, when elections come up, the ruling party strikes the land reform drum. Recently the N$50 million investment in the 70 000 Hectare Erindi Game Ranch was attacked by the Prime Minister.

Pendukeni Ithana praised land reform in Zimbabwe. God help us! If land reform were based on ancestral rights, the San would claim Namibia. Namibia has a Constitution which protects private property rights. If this is not complied with, bank collateral and production is threatened. This is what caused the collapse of the Zimbabwe economy. The Namibian solution of land reform, on a willing seller, willing buyer basis, should be pursued. Land should be used productively in an eco friendly way. The affirmative action Agribank loan scheme has been moderately successful, as ownership is involved. The resettlement farms in general have been a failure, due to lack of capital, management, skills and overcrowding (LAC analysis). Erindi is an investment in sustainable natural resources, in employment (140 with an average of eight dependents) and income for GRN. The spin-off to local economy (Omaruru) is substantial. Erindi is gearing up for the tourist influx expected with the 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament. Once the venture is at full steam, employees will receive 20 per cent shares, and the company will be floated on the stock exchange. Namibia’s future lies in its single biggest sustainable asset, its unspoiled nature. Diamonds and other mineral resources are transient and finite. Namibians will not be better of by dividing wealth, but by creating it, to benefit all by the spin off effect. Politicians should be honest, and not think in five-year cycles, but long term. Politicians are servants of the people, not royalty.UbuntuWindhoekNote: Name and address provided – Ed