Give White Farms Back

ALLOW me to comment on Namibia s misguided policies on the expropriation of land, and for those calling for land grabs, like Nefa.

Do such people know and understand the economic, social, and political consequences of such calls? Namibia is very fortunate to have seen countries like Zimbabwe falling into a deep economic pit, which has resulted in the suffering and displacement of people from that country. We must not play with fire, if we are really serious in making Namibia an economic, social and politically stable country.To date, with the few farms that had been expropriated – they fell in the hands of the few selected black elite, who already have the best jobs in the country.Simply, they are not farmers but opportunists who someday hope to sell that very land back for profit.Believe me, no one can become a farmer overnight, especially if it is not your interest.White farmers mostly maintain their livelihood by managing their farms – investing all their resources to make good use of the land.This is not to say blacks cannot do it, those who can do it already have their piece of land.It surely doesn’t make sense today, hearing a person claiming not to have a plot to cultivate on.Namibians don’t have to be short-sighted like Zimbabweans, who entertained a blinded and failed leader, Mugabe.The millions of dollars paid to take the land in Namibia can be put to better use by supporting and paying a living wage to those who have nothing.Meaning, the unemployed and homeless – so too the betterment of our roads, hospitals, housing and schools.Honestly, trying to go after white-owned land is a big mistake that Namibia will live to regret.Zambia, Malawi, and even Zimbabwe are calling for the same Europeans to return and work the land.They’ve their shortfalls, and are giving credit where it’s due.If we start with whites today, how much security would Chinese, Russians, Americans and all those other nationals hoping to make Namibia their home feel? And it doesn’t mean if one is called an absent landlord – then his/her land is lying idle.No, it in fact sends a bigger message to people who would want to invest their resources in Namibia.In a nutshell, what we call investor confidence.With the message that your investments, be it in land, building, or finances are safe.Unfortunately, when shallow policies are pursued, it is the toiling and already disadvantaged masses that start feeling the pinch when economic hardship comes.Namibia must give back the land to all those white farmers whose land was grabbed.We claim to live in a democratic state where the rule of law prevails – let that be.Let us not force people to give up their property out of fear, it is not fair nor is it right.Targeting white farmers won’t help anyone in Namibia, but will invite problems which surely someday, will come to haunt us.We claim to be a country where fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed – therefore, racial discrimination or perpetuating anything that takes away one’s sweat is in itself very barbaric and backward.Please, stop this persecution for a better Namibia – where all people, irrespective of their colour, sex and religion, can find peace and a home to stay.Last but not least, should one want to talk about progress and development in Namibia, look in the squatter camps outside our capital city, our living conditions in rural areas, the failing health services and much more.Those problems are not solved by those farms we’re stealing away from their rightful owners.Namibians can do better than to fall in the Zimbabwean pothole.Mulife Muchali Vancouver – CanadaWe must not play with fire, if we are really serious in making Namibia an economic, social and politically stable country.To date, with the few farms that had been expropriated – they fell in the hands of the few selected black elite, who already have the best jobs in the country.Simply, they are not farmers but opportunists who someday hope to sell that very land back for profit.Believe me, no one can become a farmer overnight, especially if it is not your interest.White farmers mostly maintain their livelihood by managing their farms – investing all their resources to make good use of the land.This is not to say blacks cannot do it, those who can do it already have their piece of land.It surely doesn’t make sense today, hearing a person claiming not to have a plot to cultivate on.Namibians don’t have to be short-sighted like Zimbabweans, who entertained a blinded and failed leader, Mugabe.The millions of dollars paid to take the land in Namibia can be put to better use by supporting and paying a living wage to those who have nothing.Meaning, the unemployed and homeless – so too the betterment of our roads, hospitals, housing and schools.Honestly, trying to go after white-owned land is a big mistake that Namibia will live to regret.Zambia, Malawi, and even Zimbabwe are calling for the same Europeans to return and work the land.They’ve their shortfalls, and are giving credit where it’s due.If we start with whites today, how much security would Chinese, Russians, Americans and all those other nationals hoping to make Namibia their home feel? And it doesn’t mean if one is called an absent landlord – then his/her land is lying idle.No, it in fact sends a bigger message to people who would want to invest their resources in Namibia.In a nutshell, what we call investor confidence.With the message that your investments, be it in land, building, or finances are safe.Unfortunately, when shallow policies are pursued, it is the toiling and already disadvantaged masses that start feeling the pinch when economic hardship comes.Namibia must give back the land to all those white farmers whose land was grabbed.We claim to live in a democratic state where the rule of law prevails – let that be.Let us not force people to give up their property out of fear, it is not fair nor is it right.Targeting white farmers won’t help anyone in Namibia, but will invite problems which surely someday, will come to haunt us.We claim to be a country where fundamental rights and freedoms are guaranteed – therefore, racial discrimination or perpetuating anything that takes away one’s sweat is in itself very barbaric and backward.Please, stop this persecution for a better Namibia – where all people, irrespective of their colour, sex and religion, can find peace and a home to stay.Last but not least, should one want to talk about progress and development in Namibia, look in the squatter camps outside our capital city, our living conditions in rural areas, the failing health services and much more.Those problems are not solved by those farms we’re stealing away from their rightful owners.Namibians can do better than to fall in the Zimbabwean pothole.Mulife Muchali Vancouver – Canada