THE current situation in Swapo vis-Ã -vis the formation of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) appears to be obsessing everyone to such an extent that even the governance of the country is under threat.
Things cannot be allowed to fall apart. And as we called on the country’s leadership last week to call for tolerance and calm among their respective supporters, we also need to emphasise the need for Government to keep things together and ensure that the smooth running of the country is not jeopardised because of political infighting.In the run-up to the Swapo congress next week, there appears to be a great sense of insecurity, both on political level as well as in the ranks of the civil service.Politically there is also a great deal of confusion, and very little guidance coming from the higher echelons of leadership in the Swapo Party, also the ruling party.As a result rumours and conjecture abound as to whether people will lose jobs if they change their political preferences or if they are even perceived to be supporting a party other than Swapo.As was the case with the 2004 Extraordinary Congress of Swapo, talk of possible political assassination has also become the order of the day.This is totally unacceptable.While we have no reason to believe that there is any substance in these rumours, they nevertheless have a destabilising and negative effect at all levels.Good governance must be elevated to a higher level, and not brought lower than it is at present.We are all aware that Government in any case tends to come to a virtual standstill in December and January, and this in itself is a situation which must change, and change fast, if Namibia is ever to make strides in the economic sense.With political office-bearers totally preoccupied with the Swapo Congress and the recent formation of a new political party, this leads the way to deteriorating job performance and a certain numbness sets in, which again, is not conducive to development.Everything has its place.While there is a justifiable interest in political happenings, this should not be allowed to interfere with the business of government.Lack of commitment, or disinterest in one’s job, or involvement in political activities, will combine to have a disastrous effect on the Namibian economy if we do not use this period to re-commit to building a strong foundation for democracy in this country to sustain.Again, in this regard it is important that leadership emphasise to all that nothing can be gained from the current state of inertia and/or insecurity.We do have laws that apply in this country, and those who feel discriminated against as a result of a change in political persuasion must pursue the course they are entitled to in terms of their constitutional rights.Neither must we allow that our interest in current political happenings takes our attention away from matters that deserve priority.For unfortunately if most people are only engaged at the political level, there are those who will make use of the opportunity to indulge in corrupt activities.We have already, at the insistence of President Hifikepunye Pohamba, decided to apply a policy of zero tolerance to corruption, and this should remain our focus; rather than applying a principle of zero tolerance to those who are simply exercising their democratic rights with regard political activities.Namibia’s commitment to democracy is being tested at the present time.It is important that we rise above negative dissent and learn from the process that is currently underway.Change is inevitable in almost every aspect of life – and just so in politics – and we need to be able to look back in months to come and say that we handled the situation with maturity and in a responsible fashion.Those who are bent upon causing chaos should not be allowed to spoil what has taken 17 years to build up in this country.Neither is our task finished yet.Namibians chose the path of peace after independence in 1990 and this is a direction we should not change.Instead we need to consolidate on the gains of independence, and drive our economy, and in so doing, promote the wellbeing of our people; and not negate everything by allowing ourselves to be pulled downwards due to political infighting and acts of retribution.We cannot allow things to fall apart.It will be to the benefit of no one and the detriment of all.And as we called on the country’s leadership last week to call for tolerance and calm among their respective supporters, we also need to emphasise the need for Government to keep things together and ensure that the smooth running of the country is not jeopardised because of political infighting.In the run-up to the Swapo congress next week, there appears to be a great sense of insecurity, both on political level as well as in the ranks of the civil service.Politically there is also a great deal of confusion, and very little guidance coming from the higher echelons of leadership in the Swapo Party, also the ruling party.As a result rumours and conjecture abound as to whether people will lose jobs if they change their political preferences or if they are even perceived to be supporting a party other than Swapo.As was the case with the 2004 Extraordinary Congress of Swapo, talk of possible political assassination has also become the order of the day.This is totally unacceptable.While we have no reason to believe that there is any substance in these rumours, they nevertheless have a destabilising and negative effect at all levels.Good governance must be elevated to a higher level, and not brought lower than it is at present.We are all aware that Government in any case tends to come to a virtual standstill in December and January, and this in itself is a situation which must change, and change fast, if Namibia is ever to make strides in the economic sense.With political office-bearers totally preoccupied with the Swapo Congress and the recent formation of a new political party, this leads the way to deteriorating job performance and a certain numbness sets in, which again, is not conducive to development.Everything has its place.While there is a justifiable interest in political happenings, this should not be allowed to interfere with the business of government.Lack of commitment, or disinterest in one’s job, or involvement in political activities, will combine to have a disastrous effect on the Namibian economy if we do not use this period to re-commit to building a strong foundation for democracy in this country to sustain.Again, in this regard it is important that leadership emphasise to all that nothing can be gained from the current state of inertia and/or insecurity.We do have laws that apply in this country, and those who feel discriminated against as a result of a change in political persuasion must pursue the course they are entitled to in terms of their constitutional rights.Neither must we allow that our interest in current political happenings takes our attention away from matters that deserve priority.For unfortunately if most people are only engaged at the political level, there are those who will make use of the opportunity to indulge in corrupt activities.We have already, at the insistence of President Hifikepunye Pohamba, decided to apply a policy of zero tolerance to corruption, and this should remain our focus; rather than applying a principle of zero tolerance to those who are simply exercising their democratic rights with regard political activities.Namibia’s commitment to democracy is being tested at the present time.It is important that we rise above negative dissent and learn from the process that is currently underway.Change is inevitable in almost every aspect of life – and just so in politics – and we need to be able to look back in months to come and say that we handled the situation with maturity and in a responsible fashion.Those who are bent upon causing chaos should not be allowed to spoil what has taken 17 years to build up in this country.Neither is our task finished yet.Namibians chose the path of peace after independence in 1990 and this is a direction we should not change.Instead we need to consolidate on the gains of independence, and drive our economy, and in so doing, promote the wellbeing of our people; and not negate everything by allowing ourselves to be pulled downwards due to political infighting and acts of retribution.We cannot allow things to fall apart.It will be to the benefit of no one and the detriment of all.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!