Action for Democratic Movement (ADM) interim president Vinsent Kanyetu has taken aim at Swapo over the ongoing drought that has ravaged communities across the country.
He says the ruling party has forgotten the promises made during the liberation struggle.
“The current administration regime has stopped thinking, not having a future plan about the drought. What if the donours will stop next year? Are all Namibians going to die from hunger?” Kanyetu asked at a press conference on Monday in the Kavango East region.
Kanyetu also gave a glimpse of his party’s plans for broad development and the economic emancipation of the people. “This is founded on unshakable principles that uphold justice and equity for all. It is a new movement, which thrives on and cherishes national unity, which is the foundation for the sound conditions of peace, security and development,” Kanyetu said.
He said the party will create conditions for economic independence, prosperity and equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation.
“ADM also profoundly believes in putting people at the centre of governance for the purposes of inclusive and value-adding decision-making processes,” Kanyetu noted.
He said the party believes in democracy, thus, he encouraged people to exercise their democratic rights by way of voting in November.
During the press conference, Kanyetu highlighted the high number of unemployed graduates.
According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, there are over 67 000 unemployed graduates in the country, said Kanyetu.
“ADM believes the possibility of all the graduates finding meaningful employment are quite slim. The labour market is not growing due to little processing of minerals in the country and the exporting of unprocessed minerals,” he said.
He said the manufacturing sector is underdeveloped and it’s an area where many graduates could have been absorbed.
“The party advocates for an increase of jobs in the agricultural, manufacturing, mining, tourism and service sectors as well as infrastructural development projects,” Kanyetu said.
According to him, ADM will transform Namibia into a regional logistics hub, implement more special economic zones and develop business incubation centres in all 121 constituencies in the 14 regions.
He said the erratic and limited rainfall distribution patterns experienced since the start of the agricultural season has resulted in abnormal dry conditions, affecting farming negatively.
“Apart from accurate drought modelling and developing effective drought monitoring and early warning systems, mitigating the impact of drought requires a combination of proactive measures,” Kanyetu noted.
He said this will include water conservation, sustainable land management practices, drought-resistant crop varieties and improved water infrastructure.
Political scientist Rui Tyitende says the ADM is attempting to secure enough votes to obtain one or two seats for its top leadership.
“They know for a fact that they have no intention to govern the country as they do not have national appeal, and all their rhetoric about transforming Namibia is nothing but thin air.
“So, the party was established for narrow interests in mind, not to seriously contest in the elections, but to participate such that one or two leaders can collect a salary.
“The interim leader of the ADM is a well-known political figure who has hopped from one party to the next as fast as in the rainy season in Namibia,” he says.
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