Expropriation of farms not good for stability: RP

GOVERNMENT’s move to begin expropriating commercial farms does not bode well for peace, reconciliation and stability in Namibia, the Republican Party warns in a statement.

In reaction to Government’s first notice of expropriation, served on the owners of the farm Ongombo West, the RP said it was worried that the process was being handled in what it termed an “opportunistic” and “ad hoc” manner. It said if Government was acting without a sustainable and long-term plan, it could lead to more frustration among the previously disadvantaged and landless.RP President Henk Mudge said that Government faced its biggest challenge regarding land reform: proving that the action was being taken in the public interest and that it was not politically motivated.”The way in which expropriated farms will be put to use by the Government will also prove whether they are really worried about the welfare of the nation as a whole, by utilising this valuable natural resource in such a way that the public as a whole will benefit from it and not only a privileged few,” said Mudge in the statement.The RP nevertheless maintains that it is in favour of land reform “as a political necessity”, despite not being convinced that it is economically justifiable.”The Republican Party is aware of the fact that the Government is under tremendous pressure and we are adamant to assist them with proposals to solve the problems surrounding the land reform issue,” said Mudge.It said if Government was acting without a sustainable and long-term plan, it could lead to more frustration among the previously disadvantaged and landless.RP President Henk Mudge said that Government faced its biggest challenge regarding land reform: proving that the action was being taken in the public interest and that it was not politically motivated.”The way in which expropriated farms will be put to use by the Government will also prove whether they are really worried about the welfare of the nation as a whole, by utilising this valuable natural resource in such a way that the public as a whole will benefit from it and not only a privileged few,” said Mudge in the statement.The RP nevertheless maintains that it is in favour of land reform “as a political necessity”, despite not being convinced that it is economically justifiable.”The Republican Party is aware of the fact that the Government is under tremendous pressure and we are adamant to assist them with proposals to solve the problems surrounding the land reform issue,” said Mudge.