Namibia 25TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY EDITION Report

OHANGWENA ZAMBEZI

OSHANA WEST KAVANGO OMUSATI EAST KAVANGO OSHIKOTO

KUNENE OTJOZONDJUPA

OMAHEKE

ERONGO

KHOMAS

HARDAP

KARAS

For more on the best journalism and writing in Namibia visit us online @ www.insight.com.na 21ST MARCH 1990 2015 HAPPY 25TH INDEPENDENCE NAMIBIA

1990 2005 2015

s we celebrate the silver jubilee as a free Nation, we remember the many sacrifices made by our compatriots during the struggle for national Aindependence. These sacrifices inspire us to continue to build a Namibian Nation as envisaged in Namibia Vision 2030.

Kalahari Holdings (Pty) Limited wishes all Namibians a memorable and rewarding silver jubilee. May peace, stability and prosperity continue to be the hallmark that KALAHARI HOLDINGS defines our Nationhood. (PTY) LIMITED

T: (+264 61) 225 333 F: (+264 61) 221 158 | [email protected] www.kalahariholdings.com 1 CONTENTS Frederico Links

3 Leader: ASSESSING THE FIRST QUARTER

5 STATE OF DEMOCRACY: in search of democrats

6 POLITICS: Deconstructing Geingob

10 LAND: BURNING LAND

14 CORRUPTION: Graft fight reboot needed

16 HEALTH: Great progress, but still critical

18 TOURISM: Up all the way

21 POLITICS: The reluctant President

© 2015 Namibia Report. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part Sales & advertising: Kasiku Siteketa: [email protected] of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form Anya Links: [email protected] or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, Distribution: Salmi Enkali: [email protected] without the prior permission of Namibia Report. Layout & Graphics: Caroline de Meersseman insight Namibia cc PO Box 40738, Windhoek, Namibia Contributors: Frederico Links, Brigitte Weidlich, Graham Hopwood, 70-72 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek Jackie Asheeke, Rachel Coomer, Ellison Tjirera Telephone: +264 61 301 437/8 Photo Contributors: Frederico Links, Shutterstock, Caroline de Meersseman Fax: +264 61 240 385 Cover Design: Caroline de Meersseman Website: www.insight.com.na Printer: John Meinert Printing Editor: Frederico Links: [email protected] ISSN: 1812-9943

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 Congratulations...

The Managing Director, Management and Staff of Namibia Wildlife Resorts congratulate His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob on his inauguration and assumption of duty. We also congratulate all members of cabinet on their appointments. We have full confidence that Dr. Geingob and his team will take over from where his predecessors left off, and continue to steer Namibia towards prosperity for all. We wish him and the entire cabinet the best of luck as they take up their assignments. 3 LEADER

Management should not forget that everyone is ultimately a shareholder in the Namibian enterprise and thus it is in the interest of everyone that all are properly taken care of Assessing the first quarter resident Hage Geingob has we probably still could have achieved more. Consider that since independence 25 started his term in office by That said, important gains have been years ago, while the country’s GDP has shot making all the right noises, as made across a wide spectrum of socio- up, inequality too has spiraled out of con- he should. economic sectors and no-one can deny that trol, to the extent that the gap between the However, it is what follows Namibia is much better off than it was 25 well-off and the poor has pushed Namibia Pthat he will ultimately be judged on. And in years ago. Even so, on important indicators, literally off the charts. This is no exaggera- this regard, with especially the increase in many, if not most, people’s lives have hardly tion, for a management type chart exists the social grant to the elderly, the admin- budged beyond hardship over the years. that shows how Namibia and South Africa istration has gotten off to a good start. So the important question begging an fall outside the measurement boundaries By the same token, a good start is what answer at this stage is: To what extent can on inequality. Namibia has definitely gotten over the past we build out opportunities so as to draw This is worrying, and is something that 25 years. more people at an increased pace into the cannot be left to stand unaddressed, for this That said, if we were to consider the economic mainstream, thereby improving introduces instability into the structure of country a new business, then Namibia has living standards, social conditions and sat- the enterprise. just emerged from its first quarter, and the isfaction – even happiness – levels across Inequality of course speaks to the qual- question is what have we learned from this the board? ity of health, education and general welfare period, so as to readjust for the second In answering this question, necessarily afforded the majority, and on these factors quarter and beyond? our management team plays a crucial role. a great deal more needs to be done. In this of course we have to consider For given that we are still somewhat wobbly For in the end, management should lessons learned and data gathered – of on our feet as an enterprise, despite all the not forget that everyone is ultimately a systems and processes and the nuances potential, things can still go wrong and set shareholder in the Namibian enterprise in conditions and environments – in order us back considerably. and thus it is in the interest of everyone to assess the impacts and health of our This is where visionary and accountable that all are properly taken care of. endeavours and plan out the way forward. management with a mind to execute their The threats of course are hubris and Considering Namibia in this light, we duties responsibly is of critical importance. corruption at the top, which could make can certainly assert that the results of the In this regard, the executive manage- the whole structure crumble from above first quarter have been mixed – a lot of ment team has largely prosecuted their if care is not taken and such instances are progress, a lot of lag, a lot of missteps and duties in a satisfactory manner, while not immediately and decisively dealt with, and even some failures. On the whole we can exactly having been exemplary or above are of course seen to be dealt with. say the picture is largely promising, and reproach in how they have acted towards In the final analysis, the majority of ripe with potential. those lower down in the structures. steps taken to here and those being stepped However, this does not mean that The latter is evidenced by the loud into come across as taking the enterprise we should be overly positive about our grumblings coming from some quarters in the right direction. approaches, merely that to a large extent we of the rank and file in recent times, many of It behooves every single one of the have been lucky so far – a significant factor who consider themselves, rightly or wrongly, stakeholders in this enterprise to ensure in entrepreneurial success – and that we outside the income sharing. This is largely this remains the case. have to be wise enough to realize that even because trickle-down economics has failed in those areas where we can claim success to deliver to any significant degree.

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 OUR COUNTRY

BUILT FROM GENERATIONS OF

PEACE

STABILITY

& PROSPERITY.

THANKS TO THE BRAVERY OF OUR PEOPLE WE HAVE REACHED FOR SUCCESS AND CAN CELEBRATE GROWTH. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE OVER W&CO 5000 DIVERSE NAMIBIANS IN OUR TEAM. VIVA TO US ALL! TOGETHER WE CREATE A PROSPEROUS FUTURE.

Sven Thieme Executive Chairman 5 STATE OF DEMOCRACY A democracy in search of democrats

Democracy can only flourish when there is a critical mass of democrats willing to make the system work, writes Graham Hopwood

en years ago IPPR research- ers Christie Keulder and Tania Wiese coined the phrase ‘a democracy Twithout democrats’ for Namibia. The expression was a reference to an Afrobarometer finding that only just over half of Namibians favoured democracy over other systems such as military or one- party rule. The conclusion was worrying – a large proportion of Namibians did not see much value in the dem- indicate that high proportions of ment we need to see a reduction ers that be. It takes an unusually ocratic system that had been put Namibians are not yet willing in the percentage of people that enlightened form of political lead- in place after decades of valiant to exercise their full democratic feel they should avoid criticising ership to create and give succour struggle against apartheid colo- rights even if they generally feel government from 36 percent to a to institutions intended to oversee, nialism. Democratic consolidation free in the country (91 percent figure that is negligible. Critical check, and call to account those appeared to be faltering. said they were free to say what debate is crucial if good govern- who have power. Since then regular Afroba- they think). ance is to be achieved. Further- Namibia remains one of rometer surveys have found that One of the issues facing more, we can only forge sound Africa’s most stable and endur- more and more Namibians think Namibia at the start of the 21st and workable policies out of the ing democracies – something we democracy is preferable to any century is that while many peo- crucible of open dialogue. All too can all be proud of. But having other form of governance. In last ple have started to recognise the often government figures are quick consolidated democracy over the year’s survey it was 74 percent – importance of democracy, the to claim critics ‘have no mandate’ past 25 years, there is a sense up from 64 percent in 2012. It is inevitable follow on – robust instead of listening carefully to the that we are now entering a new somewhat reassuring then that plurality and diversity in opin- points being made. phase of democratic development. in 2014 almost three-quarters of ions – is not seen as quite such a There are other reasons why Younger, less partisan Namibians Namibians now recognise democ- good development. Instead there we need more critical thinkers. are starting to make their voices racy as the best system. This trend is a tendency for citizens to feel Namibia is a democracy where heard on a range of issues. Increas- is the same for younger respond- they should go with the flow of over 80 percent of the electorate ing urbanisation (Namibia is now ents as it is for older Afrobarom- the commonly-expressed view or voted for one party in the last split 50:50 in terms of the rural/ eter respondents. In 2014 only 6 always concur with the views of election. Yet, increasingly we need urban divide) is fuelling rising percent of younger Namibians the ruling political elite. It is seen independent people to serve on the frustrations (witness the recent said they did not understand what as too much trouble and possibly range of oversight bodies that are protests over access to land and democracy is. counter-productive for individuals supposed to ensure that abuses of housing) and creating opportuni- However, there were some to express a different position from power do not take place. Such bod- ties to raise demands for more Afrobarometer responses that the view emanating from the top. ies cannot be stocked primarily by accountable government. Leaders gave pause for thought – 36 This is not a phenomenon affecting people who are either too timid will have to become better listen- percent of respondents felt they only the ordinary, impoverished, or too concerned with showing ers – more responsive and less should avoid criticising govern- disempowered Namibian. Even off their political loyalty to take dismissive. Democracy can only ment; 37 percent said it was more the country’s academics have up impartial positions. Already flourish when there is a critical important to have a government failed to pronounce themselves on many of these institutions – some mass of democrats willing to make that can get things done even if the country’s deleterious research of them constitutional – are widely the system work. the public has no influence over laws and regulations, as noted seen as compromised and weak. what it does; and 43 percent felt recently by Professor Andre du They are quick to clear the politi- Graham Hopwood is the that too much media reporting on Pisani in comments on academic cally connected of any charges or Executive Director of the Institute negative events, like government freedom. accusations. They dodge and delay for Public Policy Research (IPPR) mistakes and corruption, only For Namibia to make progress making any findings that could harms the country. These results in terms of democratic develop- be seen as critical of the pow-

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 6 POLITICS

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 POLITICS 7

The first presidential address said it – the walk is going to be walked. In the interest of society that had better be the case, argues Frederico Links Deconstructing Geingob

ecently inaugurated as the third aid of society. Going by the new president’s It is arguably largely as a consequence of president of the Republic of pronouncements, and campaign messaging this that Geingob garnered more votes in presi- Namibia, Hage Geingob, has, from even before the 28 November 2014 elec- dential polls than either Nujoma or Pohamba not so subtly, anointed himself tions, the governance principle of the Geingob did in the past. For this is where Geingob comes as being the inflection point in administration will be efficiency. in, despite all the talk of continuity, preach- RNamibia’s historical trajectory. This could off course be seen as an admis- ing an emboldened mandate and projecting While the Nujoma presidency was about sion that over the last 25 years many things a sense of being liberated to mold the future the concretising of the conceptual manifesta- have not exactly gone according to plan and as he sees fit. tion of the new Namibian nation state and the Whether this projected optimism is soundly Pohamba presidency was the consolidation of grounded is of course questionable, but it does the national legislative and governance frame- to a great extent reflect the popular sentiment

work, Geingob is casting himself as the man to Frederico Links from below, and Geingob being the astute poli- unlock an era of prosperity on the foundational tician that he is, with a highly sensitive politi- achievements of his predecessors. cal radar, is making all the right utterances, The new president’s rhetoric to date is laden stating from the inauguration podium: “The with promises of ramping up efforts to over- overwhelming mandate given to the Swapo come the myriad of still stubbornly entrenched Party and its Presidential candidate is a clear socio-economic maladies plaguing Namibian indication of the confidence my fellow citizens society, while at the same time elevating the have in Swapo and in me. But it is also an country as a progressive beacon and economic indication of their high expectations.” success story on the African continent. In his inaugural address on 21 March 2015, Breakout reactionary Geingob stated: “The main priority for the Against this backdrop, and unsurprisingly, next administration will be addressing the the new president’s pronouncements appear to socio-economic gaps that exist in our soci- have gone down exceedingly well with most ety. We have been successful in establishing citizens, many of whom find themselves mired a robust governance framework and imple- in the sort of conditions Geingob has declared menting sound macroeconomic policies. The all-out war on. Many, if not most, Namibians prerequisites for a prosperous nation include find themselves fending for survival in very good constitutions, peace and democracy. Peo- trying personal economic conditions, so in ple eat decent food, live under decent shelter the eyes and ears of so many a little hope is and enjoy decent employment. Therefore, our long overdue. first priority will be to declare all-out war on that there is much to criticize in the way the But this optimism and hope is largely poverty and concomitant inequality. Our focal state and society have evolved, or not, over the founded on signature proclamations – anti- point will be to address inequality, poverty quarter century. inequality, anti-unemployment and pro-poor and hunger and that will involve looking at a And it can be said that as a result of this – from presidential platforms, and in this Gein- range of policies and interventionist strategies wonky, but still right-way-facing, developmental gob has certainly not deviated from the Nujoma to tackle this issue.” direction, an often perceptible society-wide and Pohamba script. Just as his predecessors, What is clear then, as per presidential sense of unease and muted dissatisfaction Geingob has started off by promising miracles, statements to date, is that state resources will had come to lightly cloud the last years of the with the difference being that he has just done be marshaled as never before to come to the Pohamba presidency. it with a lot more gusto than the other two.

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 8 POLITICS Frederico Links

Of course this is purely an early reading, but of perceiving himself as a historical inflection this administration takes office and rolls out the levels of optimism have to be questioned, point – what is required is for Geingob to come its schemes. for what does not seem to have been priced out the blocks at a swift gait, for five years is It is important for the new president then into the pervasive popular enthusiasm for the not a long time in politics and promises can to set the right tone – not just in speeches but Geingob presidency is that by all accounts it is get stale fairly quickly. in actions as well – for that is arguably exactly standing on somewhat shaky ground. This is a significant consideration at this why the youth turned out for him during the This is reflected in the composition of the juncture of Namibia’s journey, for Geingob election as they have – the “high expecta- Geingob Cabinet, which to a great extent reflects finds himself facing a pressure factor which tions” factor. And this means that if Geingob considerable compromise, for how else can one neither Nujoma or Pohamba had to deal with talks efficient government, then he should live explain the top-heaviness of the Executive. to any real extent – marked demographic shift. efficient government. This necessarily brings into sharp focus Namibia has been undergoing significant If the administration’s responses are per- the efficiency emphasizing pronouncements. demographic change over the last 25 years, ceived as tardy or obfuscatory, it runs the risk While the creation, slicing and splicing to the extent that today, those who were born of further stoking already smoldering embers of ministries are couched as a reorganizing shortly before and during the 1990s – the mil- of very real unhappiness out there in society. initiative aimed at gearing the state towards lennials – are coming of age in various ways What the millennial cohort wants is exactly greater responsiveness and accountability, it just as Geingob steps into the presidency. This what they are being promised – “People eat does not quite wash, but rather looks to be is something that cannot be ignored politically decent food, live under decent shelter and enjoy a way to top-load government with friends and economically, for this demographic cohort decent employment” – otherwise they could just and foes alike, in both an appeasement and is the game-changer into the future. unleash the destabilization of society. Namibia pay-off exercise. Look no further than the youth-led land would not be the first country in which this In this regard, considerable arguments, demonstrations of late 2014 and early 2015 has happened, and not the last. based on past evidence and experience, can be as an indication of this population segment So Geingob and his administration need raised against how Geingob is going about enli- making itself heard more and more on the to walk the walk from here on out – pander- vening the notion of efficient government – by socio-political landscape. ing to the interests of elitist associates and seemingly needlessly expanding the landscape The danger for Geingob and the ruling political cronies will be a sure way to lose for bureaucratic pitfalls and bungling – but party is that if they insist on going along as they popular affection. it’s probably too early to come to credible have to this point, which almost seems to be All-in-all the new president comes out on a conclusions. what is earmarked – even though some youthful pretty good wicket and the game is his to lose. However, on the face of it, efficiency hardly appointments have been made to Cabinet, but That said, ultimately, at this stage the fact looks to be best served by what has transpired largely as a token bow to calls for such – then is that anything can happen. and will play out over coming months and years. they run the risk of increasingly alienating an intrinsically impatient, and significant fraction, New flame of the population. The generational gap is thus Considering all this – especially the idea something that needs active consideration as

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 Celebrating

Years of Independence

www.namibiatourism.com.na 10 LAND BURNING LAND

Land ownership remains a dynamic topic that is far from settled, writes Brigitte Weidlich

amibia celebrates its 25th collaborative funding mechanisms between How it started anniversary as a sovereign central government and local authorities Namibia has about 69 million hectares state this year, and its land to service virgin land for commercial and (ha) of arable land that can be used for reform initiative was intro- housing purposes and the frequency of agriculture. About 33,6 million ha are situ- duced 20 years ago in 1995, farms rejected by the state through the ated in communal areas and 36,1 million Nmaking significant strides, despite criticism ‘willing seller, willing buyer’ method, are ha is freehold land. A year after Independ- from within ruling Swapo party ranks, over now recognised as endangering progress. ence the new government held a national the years. It is projected that 56 percent of the land conference in 1991 to discuss ways for The process has been peaceful and slow population will live in towns by 2025 and peaceful land reform. to date, but a threat has emerged recently as only 44 percent in rural areas, according to The major outcomes were that ancestral thousands of youth have started demanding the National Statistic Agency (NSA). land rights would not be recognised and urban land to build dwellings on. The almost forgotten ‘Vision 2030’ docu- redistribution would be based on the ‘will- This comes as house and farm prices ment mentions that even “75 percent of ing seller, willing buyer’ (WSWB) principle. have escalated dramatically over the past Namibia’s population will be urbanised by In 1991, white individuals owned 6,123 decade, practically taking ownership of both 2030”. These changing demographics would commercial farms, accounting for 34,6 mil- commercial farmland and urban plots out require the government to relook its land lion hectares (ha) or 95 percent of 36,1 of reach of most Namibians. reform efforts. million hectares of arable land. A shortage of policy direction, the lack of Only 181 commercial farms were owned

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 LAND 11

by blacks in 1991, excluding the Rehoboth envisaged 15 million ha farmland, have been existing infrastructure on farms after they Gebiet, while 382 farms (2,9 million ha) were transferred either through farm acquisitions were bought for resettlement, complaints owned by foreigners. Government owned by the Ministry for resettlement purposes, that farming units of roughly 1,000 ha each 64 farms as well as 20 experimental farms private sales, auctions or affirmative action are too small for livestock production, lack of inherited from German and South African loans. technical support for beneficiaries, and ille- colonial authorities. Companies possessed According to the latest available official gal leasing of allocated resettlement units, 55 farms (728,882 ha) then. Churches owned figures, the Ministry acquired 2,7 million are but some of a multitude of issues that 22 farms (totalling 222,365 ha) in 1991. hectares of commercial farmland, leaving have surfaced over the years. In 1995, the Agricultural (Commercial) 2,7 million hectares – or 450,000 ha annu- Recently well-to do civil servants like the Land Reform Act was promulgated, keeping ally until 2020. permanent secretary of the Lands Ministry the WSWB principle, but a significant tweak Another five million ha of unused com- received land on a resettlement farm as did since now requires white commercial farm- munal land will be portioned off into small retired Mines and Energy Minister Toivo ya ers to first offer farms for sale to the Lands farming units. To date the Ministry has Toivo, who turned 90 last year. Ministry. If the Ministry wants to buy the measured 1,537 small scale commercial “What are the criteria applied? Is reset- farm for resettlement purposes it makes an farming units on under-utilised land in tlement now for the well-connected and the offer to the farmer. If it is not interested the seven northern regions, totalling 10 million new elite?” An angry resettlement applicant farm owner receives a waiver certificate and ha land. On these units about 6,730 families recently asked. the farm can be sold on the open market. are to be resettled by 2020. “Top government officials with a high Recently however some waivers contain the Also in 2006, the Ministry introduced salary get resettlement and often they have condition that the farm may only be sold to a land tax commercial farmers must pay applied much later than us normal mortals, willing buyers who hail from a previously annually. The Lands Ministry established who are waiting many years.” disadvantaged background. the National Land Reform Forum in 2012.

Owning a piece of land, or given a lease right on land does not automatically bring prosperity. Not everyone is a natural farmer and resettled individuals face numerous challenges, such as lack of experience, funds, markets and farming implements.

These buyers can buy farms with loans The consolidation of the two existing Land Urban land revolution from the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme Reform Acts into one single law is ongoing. So far, Namibia’s land reform has mostly (AALS) offered by the state-owned Agri- In addition, people living in rural areas focussed on farmland. Urban migration from cultural Bank (AgriBank) since about 1993. can apply for registration of land rights on rural areas to towns is increasing while Solvent buyers can also buy farms via land parcels of 20 hectares. They receive a municipalities can hardly cope with expand- a straight loan from any commercial bank certificate and can use it as collateral when ing informal settlements. if they qualify. applying for bank loans. In November 2014, a group of Swapo Party associated youth activists occupied Policy space Mixed successes an unserviced plot in Windhoek’s Kleine The National Resettlement Policy was Owning a piece of land, or given a lease Kuppe suburb and called it ‘Erf 2014 made public in 1997 and the National Land right on land does not automatically bring – repositioning’. Policy followed in 1998. The Communal prosperity. Not everyone is a natural farmer The episode has since spawned a popu- Land Reform Act was passed in 2002. and resettled individuals face numerous lar movement – Affirmative Reposition- The first white-owned commercial farm, challenges, such as lack of experience, funds, ing – which kicked off with a mass land Ongombo West, was expropriated in 2005. markets and farming implements. Some only application demonstration at the City of Government paid N$3,7 million for it. Even want a piece of land “they can call home”, Windhoek shortly before the November 28 so, to date, expropriation criteria have still wrote Erika von Wietersheim in the book National Assembly and Presidential elec- not been spelt out, and the reference in “This is my Land”, published in 2008. tions. Roughly 14,000 applications were Namibia’s Constitution of such expropriation “We should know that we are not going submitted. This mass action was followed being in line with the “national interest” is to solve our poverty problems through land by a application demonstration countrywide widely regarded as being too vague. reform, but we can at least help those who on 27 February 2015. The Lands Ministry published its ‘Land have received access to land to be a bit more Separate from this, in December 2014, Reform Report and Strategic Action Plan’ successful,” former Prime Minister Nahas approximately 2,000 people at Swakopmund in 2006, which was compiled by a team of Angula is quoted as stating in the book. occupied unserviced land at the outskirts of experts and mainly financed by Germany, Angula was Prime Minister at that time. the town, led by Gotthard Kandume, founder Britain and the US. The action plans outlines and president of the Christian Democratic the Ministry’s target for altogether 15 mil- Where to go? Voice political party, which participated in lion ha to change ownership to previously While government vaguely admitted the November 2014 elections. disadvantaged Namibians by 2020. here and there over the years that resettle- These mass actions around the issue of Of the 15 million hectares, government ment might not have brought the successes affordable urban land have come to signify would procure 5 million for resettlement, everyone had hoped for, it nevertheless is that an old land-related issue has arisen while individuals will be assisted to acquire staying the course on resettlement, instead with new urgency. the remaining 10 million ha on the free of bringing necessary changes needed. Inef- How government responds to this com- market via the AALS. ficient bureaucracy, slow and tedious applica- pounding challenge is still an open ques- Already 9,4 million ha, (60%) of the tion processes for resettlement, vandalism of tion.

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 12 ADVERTORIAL

Student Fund launches Nationwide Awareness Campaign

The National Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has the NSFAF seeks to provide the general public with detailed launched a Nationwide Stakeholder Engagement Project in and accurate information on the operations of the Fund. The collaboration with National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). Nationwide Stakeholder Engagement Project was designed The NSFAF is particularly concerned that there are mem- to run over a period of two months, covering the period from bers of the public, mostly parents and community leaders, 2 March to 2 May 2015. who lack correct information about NSFAF and its operations. In justifying the need for this massive exercise, the Fund Because of this lackage coupled with a number of existing says that “More often than not various stakeholders lack misconceptions, some potential applicants for financial assist- information on how students can access financial assistance ance end up not applying with the Fund. Oftenly most of the from it and further as to how they can be players in aiding the misconceptions owe their origins from some teachers who are realisation of this goal,”. The public, particularly parents and not fully acquainted with the Fund’s award requirements and other interested parties are often fed with incorrect information are thus providing wrong and inadequate information about about the Fund’s products and services and the procedures the Fund to learners. This inaccurate information includes, to access these. Citizens also lacks concrete understanding of pronouncements such as that the learners who have not the importance of repayment of loans by former beneficiaries done well during their Grade Mid-Year Examinations (August) and how this is in the interest of the nation in the long-run. should not apply and they will not be funded, while the Fund The NSFAF further stressed that dissents amongst citizens only looks the final Grade 12 results whenever they become as to whether the Fund should give 100% loans or grants available for the purpose of award consideration. Another continue to fly, suggestive of a gravest lack of information worrisome misconception is associated with some parents on the provisions of the NSFAF Act, which provide for a (fathers specifically) who when their children are asking hybrid approach. for proofs of income and identity documents (e.g IDs) for the purpose of the application for financial assistance, they Background think is for submission to the maintenance court for support/ The former bursary scheme was focused primarily on training maintenance claims. The nation further lacks information on people for the civil service, which was already oversubscribed. the importance of recovery and how the success of the latter Upon realizing the none-sustainability of the above mentioned will contribute to the sustainability of the Fund. The distinc- arrangement and its exclusive deportment, government decided tion between loans and grants as well as the circumstances to expand the coverage of the financial assistance offered under which the latter may be converted into the former, is by NSFAF. This new arrangement translated into a hybrid further an area that lacks clarity amongst the Fund’s users. approach, in terms of which the Fund is offering both loans “It is on the strength of the above mentioned lackage/ and grants to all Namibian citizens that qualified. Priority fields misconceptions/gaps that the two-month long Nationwide of study, being the areas in which the country lacks critical Stakeholder Engagement Project was penciled in order to human resources started enjoying consideration under the correct the missed-facts” says Mr. Fillemon Wise Immanuel, hybrid arrangements todate. This approach has been highly Company Secretary and Corporate Communications Manager commended as a way through the country’s human and eco- of the NSFAF. Immanuel added further that “the majority of nomic development needs are met, or where economic growth Namibians, particularly in the rural areas are not well-informed will create employment opportunities. Despite the awarding about the objectives of NSFAF and the role it plays in the of financial assistances to students that has been increasing development of the Namibian society, hence the Fund saw 2015 over the years, success on recovery remain wanting. as an opportunity to educate the rural citizens on its affairs”. The Fund has over the years warded off negative criticisms Through the ongoing nationwide information campaign, relating to the manner in which the entity has been operating

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 13 ADVERTORIAL

while under the Ministry of Education. This has to a certain their loans when they have completed their studies. Through extent affected the reputation of the organisation up to its honouring this obligation, former beneficiaries are not only current form, SOE that it is. Therefore, high level interventions living up to their contractual expectations, but also effecting such the Nationwide Stakeholder Engagement is justified in the social responsibility towards the sense of doing for others order to create awareness through dissemination of correct and ultimately contributing to the sustainability of the Fund. information to all key stakeholders. The repayment for loans at NSFAF is based on an income- contingent model, which means that one should first earn an Who qualifies for Financial Assistance? income and repays as s/he earns. This effectively means that NSFAF’s award process for financial assistance is based on only those who are working and earning taxable incomes that equitable, transparent, inclusive, fair and indiscriminatory are expected to commence with the repayment. The Fund principles. Any Namibian who stands proof of meeting fol- does send out statements to each debtor showing how one lowing criteria, can benefit: owes and how much s/he must pay back each month. • Obtained 25 points & at least an F in English from grade It is the responsibility of loan beneficiaries to keep in 12 in five subjects (for degrees & studies in Namibia, but touch with NSFAF and to inform the Fund of any change of for Education & Law one needs atleast E in English), for address. Loans are repayable to NSFAF when: a period of studies outside Namibia, E is the least requirement in six months has lapsed since the student has completed his/ English). her studies; s/he has found employment; s/he is earning a • Or obtained 20 points & F in English from grade 12 in threshold salary; s/he have not completed his/her studies, five subjects and possess post grade 12 qualification at but committed breach of contract, or s/he negotiated or level 5 of Namibia Qualification Authority), accepted different terms under the loan/grant agreement or • Or Obtained 25 or 20 points as above with less F in s/he received another loan/bursary outside the agreement. English, but improved English programmes offered by Financial assistance given in a form of grant can be con- Institutions of Higher Learning. verted to a loan, in certain circumstances as provided for in • Or Admittance through Mature Age Scheme (restricted terms of Grant Repayment the regulation(s). local institutions) • For low and Medium Priority Fields of study, students Is the former beneficiary who is unemployed or combined parental income should not exceed N$750 still studying expected to repay? 000.00 per annum. If the former beneficiary is unemployed or still studying s/he • Applicants needs 35 points and atleast E in English from is not expected to pay after the lapsing of the six months, grade 12 for Medical and Engineering study outside until when s/he is done studying and/or got employment and Namibia, while 30 points and E in English (atleast) from starts earning an income. This literally means that repayment grade 12 is the requirement for any other degree course. is expected from employed former beneficiaries and not The list of the priority fields of study is reviewed annually students or unemployed. Moreover, it is the responsibility and can be obtained from NSFAF offices. The Fund does sup- of the former beneficiary who is unemployed or still study- port both full-time, part-time and distance students. Funding ing, while his repayment is due to inform the Fund of such a for part-time and distance students who are making is only status (provision of a written proof, in a form of an affidavit for tuition fees and the beneficiary’s salary must not exceed may be necessary). N$300 000.00 per annum. Proof of admission is a must in Former beneficiaries are advised to stay in contact with the each instance. Fund and make sure that information such as their employment status and personal details, including address and cellphone Repaying the student loan numbers, are up to date. By paying NSFAF study loan, one is All former beneficiaries of the paying it forward to someone else who needs it just as much financial assistances that were as the former beneficiary needed it. given loans are expected to repay

Fillemon Wise Immanuel Company Secretary & Manager Corporate Communications Tel: +264 61 420 653 Fax: +264 88 655 3718 (Fax 2 Email) E-Mail: [email protected] www.nsfaf.na

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 14 CORRUPTION

Anti-corruption efforts are still hamstrung by legal and resource deficiencies, WRITES ELLISON TJIRERA Graft fight reboot needed

s Namibia celebrates a quarter of a century into her The most corrupt political independence from the yoke of colonial rule, Successive Afrobarometer surveys have shown that government taking stock of governance challenges of which corrup- officials and police lead the pack of institutions perceived to be the tion is but one becomes imperative. most corrupt. They have invariably been followed by tax officials AEven though incidences of perceived and real corruption are not and the judiciary. However, for the first time since 2003, govern- solely post-independence phenomena, confining an assessment of ment officials and police are not perceived to be the most corrupt the state of corruption in Namibia to between 2006 to the present institutions in the country, as business executives now top the list. gives us an indication of what progress has beenmade or not. The year 2006 is momentous in the annals of the fight against Corruption metastasising or ACC floundering? the cancer of corruption which can metastasise uncontrollably in Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents in Afrobarometer’s the midst of weak institutions and legal inadequacies. It was during 2014 survey said that corruption has increased in Namibia over the second year of former President Pohamba’s presidency that the the past year. This could well be because of the failure to follow Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) started with its operations, three through on high-profile cases combined with low conviction rates. years after it was established by the Anti-Corruption Act No. 8 of The low conviction rates are in part due to few reports being 2003. Today, there are four ACC offices countrywide, including the forwarded to the Prosecutor General (PG) for prosecution. Between headquarters in Windhoek. The other three are in Swakopmund, 2007 and 2013, the proportion of reports on alleged corrupt practices Oshakati and Otjiwarongo. referred to the PG by the ACC had been below 20%. For the period 2009/2010, only 2% of cases resulted in convictions while 42% of TI CPI reports were deemed unfounded or unsubstantiated. Namibia’s ranking on the Transparency International (TI) Cor- ruption Perception Index (CPI) shows that it has been slightly far Table 2: Reports to the PG from the middle, more towards the extreme of the most corrupt than the very clean. This suggests that corruption in Namibia is not as yet endemic but there is a serious cause for concern. On various occasions, the CPI findings have been rubbished by the Director of the ACC – Paulus Noa – for being too perception-based and that TI officials never visit the office of the ACC to obtain ‘hard’ information on efforts made in the country to fight corruption. Interestingly, Paulus Noa was recently quoted in one of the dailies saying the improvement in ranking (CPI 2014) for Namibia indicates that TI is recognising Namibia’s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.

Table 1: Namibia’s CPI ranking 2001 – 2014

Another disturbing issue that came to the fore recently relates to allegations reported in one of the dailies that the Director of the ACC, Paulus Noa, ‘abuses his discretionary powers to shut down investigations when prominent people are involved’. It was also alleged that Noa ‘warns suspects of investigations against them and coaches them’. Notwithstanding that Paulus Noa rubbished these allegations as devoid of truth, they have a potential of inflicting a serious dent on the credibility of the ACC, credibility which is very difficult to regain once squandered.

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 CORRUPTION 15

Government failure top the list of concerns in need of urgent government intervention. According to the latest (2014) results from the Afrobarometer, two-thirds (65%) of citizens think that the government of Namibia Quo Vadis? is doing “fairly badly” or “very badly” in the fight against corrup- So, what do the above tell us about the current state of tion. This shows a sharp increase in negative public evaluation, corruption and what it bodes for the future? By all accounts, from 41% in 2008 and 56% in 2012. It could safely be argued that the anti-graft agency has fallen short of tackling the scourge of these perceptions are shaped by a plethora of high profile cases corruption in the country. This is not to suggest that fighting involving millions of dollars that have been dragging on for a long corruption should be left to the ACC only, but the ACC has not time without any convictions in sight. been that exemplary in its dealings. The issue of the director and It appears that the ACC is fixated on what could be called deputy director of the ACC being nominated by the president and the ‘containment game’. The predilection of the ACC to argue appointed by the National Assembly should be done away with that ‘small fish’ (small scale corruption) would lead to full-blown as a matter of urgency. Independence of an anti-graft agency is corruption appears to deflect the significance of high profile incredibly important and for as long as the director and deputy cases. For it is high profile cases involving allegations of grand director are nominated by the president, chances are that they scale corruption that rob the country of huge sums of tax payers’ would serve at the behest of the nominating authority, and thus dollars and other resources, and the message that corruption is are subject to political mechinations. a high-risk/low-reward activity can be effectively communicated The time is perhaps ripe to seriously consider the much talked by following through with cases involving ‘big fish’. about specialised court to enable the fast-tracking of corruption What has happened over the years is that high profile cases cases. This will go a long way in improving public confidence in frustratingly dragged on such that an impression that the rich and the anti-graft campaign since at the moment many cases appear famous escape prosecution for their corrupt offenses has been to be stalled within the court system. created. At the same time many such cases involving political Moreover, there has been considerable discussion of the inad- figures and their associates are seemingly swiftly dealt with and equacy of statutory provisions relating to the protection of whistle- pronounced as ‘clean’ when in many instances there appears to blowers. Nothing came of this and President Pohamba has steped be a prima facie case for thorough investigation. down without having signed into law an important piece of legis- In spite of this, and puzzlingly, given the expressed view lation in the overall architecture of the fight against corruption. that government is not faring well in dealing with corruption, a Lest we forget, ‘zero-tolerance towards corruption’ was an majority of respondents in the latest Afrobarometer survey do aphorism that Pohamba assumed high office with. We can now not consider corruption a widespread problem in the country accept that he has underdelivered on this pledge and for this that the government should address. That is to say, corruption reason assert that as a matter of urgency, a stand-alone piece of is yet to gain salience as a pressing public policy issue. For most legislation with robust safeguards to protect whistle-blowers must Namibians issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality be brought to bear on the landscape of anti-corruption laws.

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 16 HEALTH

The state of the health sector requires renewed focus, ARGUES RACHEL COOMER Great progress, but still critical

t independence, Namibia inher- shortages, decaying infrastructure and the and TB as the key ited a curative healthcare system absence of essential equipment, amongst a challenges faced by that provided racially segregated myriad of problems and challenges. the healthcare sec- services. Clearly not a structure The report noted that “it was a painful tor. The government thatA would be viable or appropriate for experience for the Commission to see the provides six percent independent Namibia, the system was state of dilapidation and decay in which of its gross domes- revised with the intention of providing a many hospitals, clinics and health centres tic product (GDP) to primary-care based service with a focus on are”. It has been nearly as painful to read healthcare each year. prevention. The state-based health services, the frank details in the report – the report is This allocation, while which include donor funding, have been broad in its assessment of problems but also inevitably not enough, is proportionally supplemented by private medical aid funds, detailed in highlighting failures at specific more than is spent in many countries, and including PSEMAS, the government medi- hospitals. Take for example this statement: it should be alleviating some of the more cal aid provider. “Most hospitals were dirty and unkempt. At pressing needs of the sector. More funding After ten years of independence, reports Windhoek Central Hospital, for example, for healthcare is needed, but this is not the on the state of the healthcare system (admit- the dirty condition of the floor of the main answer in isolation to the problems the tedly government-associated reports) were theatre and adjacent areas was shocking.” healthcare sector is experiencing. positive. In the book Health in Namibia In contrast, whilst the quality of public This is because no matter what amount (published in 2001 for the ‘Support to Pri- healthcare has been declining, the private of funding is provided, it has to be spent mary Health Care Project’ of the Ministry sector has solidified its position. If you have properly or it is money wasted. The 2012 of Health and Social Services) the authors a private medical aid plan in Namibia, it is Commission report found “bureaucratic stated that “great progress has been made often possible to get an appointment on the methods of attending to issues and to the since independence on making the health same day that you call and hospital stays lack of a culture of quick and effective system more equitable and accessible”. become almost like holidays, as due to a implementation of ideas or projects that A Bank of Namibia working paper pub- relatively low pressure on beds, doctors have been worked out”. The report also lished in the same year also found that “ten can keep their patients in for one more noted the wastage of funds as “many a years after independence, half of Namibians day of observation. time very expensive equipment is ordered have access to primary health care services. without any consultation with the end users. Social and health indicators for Namibia Key question An unacceptable degree of resource wast- have improved during this period”. The key question is why, at 25 years age was noted whereby equipment was However, recent reports have been less of independence, are some state-provided procured but found not to be useful by positive, to the point where even “govern- healthcare services so poor whilst private the users themselves. The sad fact is that ment-associated” reports have struggled to healthcare has few similar problems – this equipment is lying unused for years, find a mainly positive outlook. Most recent despite the latter only being funded by become obsolete and spare parts might not has been the Presidential Commissioned of a fraction of the population (the majority be available in the market”. Inquiry in 2012 “to look into the activities, of people in Namibia use state services Good governance is critical. In the affairs, management, and operations of the as less than 15 percent of the population healthcare sector as elsewhere in Namibia, Ministry of Health and Social Services, with can afford or have employers who pay for responsibility for maintenance and renova- the overall aim of improving the health private medical aid plans)? tions appears to be continually passed in a system in the country”. The Commission’s NDP4 cites health financing, govern- circle. The Ministry of Works and Transport report is not for late-night reading for fear ance, availability of healthcare profes- thinks that it is the duty of the Ministry of of giving nightmares – listing critical staff sionals, access to services and HIV/AIDS Health and Social Services. The Ministry of

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 HEALTH 17

Health and Services thinks that it is the duty of the many reasons why patients can be But this should not be the answer to the of the Ministry of Works and Transport. The found queuing all day to see a healthcare problems of the state healthcare system. public of course doesn’t care whose duty it provider. Specialist healthcare is also a Private healthcare reduces the pressure is but simply wishes that they didn’t have to problem. In 2012/2013, specialist doctors on the state health care system but it also visit hospitals where “toilets/bathrooms are in the employ of the State (all 58) were only reduces the pressure to improve it and does not working, taps are leaking, and sewage found in Windhoek, Oshakati and Rundu. nothing to address long-term needs – such running freely on the premises”. In light of the need for more facilities and as the healthcare of the elderly, many of Good governance is critically needed more staffing, it comes as no surprise that whom may lose their private medical aid to ensure that recommendations and plans nearly one-third of women surveyed in when they retire. One of the benefits of – which Namibia is exceptionally good at the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey PSEMAS, the government medical aid, is making – are actually implemented. said that distance to a health facility is a that the benefits continue after retirement. problem – whether it is for a visit to a GP More needed for a simple infection or to see a specialist Fragile system The availability of healthcare profes- about something more complicated. At independence Namibia inherited a sionals and access to services is intrinsi- HIV has been the defining disease of fragile healthcare system and vulnerable cally linked to financing and governance. independent Namibia and over the last 25 population; at 25 years post-independence, At independence, Namibia’s vision was to years, the government – with donor-driven for different reasons, Namibia still has a implement a primary healthcare-based funding – has understandably focused on fragile healthcare system and the vulnerable service. Over the last 25 years, clinics have fighting HIV/AIDS. The upward trajectory population that uses it is often unable to call been built and mobile clinics have circulated of HIV infections has been reversed but for better service provision and is forced in order to enact this vision, but they are has it been at a cost to other healthcare to endure the problems of the healthcare simply not enough to meet the needs of needs? Into the vacuum has stepped the sector. With a new political era about to the population. More facilities and more private medical aid providers. Fortunately start, we can only hope that Namibia looks healthcare professionals are needed. access is not race-based but it is economi- very seriously at the healthcare sector and According to the Ministry of Health and cally divided. provides the necessary leadership, govern- Social Service annual report 2012/2013 (the Donors and non-governmental groups ance and resources to address the needs of most recent available), 88 percent of posts have even looked at the viability of provid- the system. in the state healthcare sector are filled. ing private medical services for economic This leaves 1371 posts unfilled. This is one groups who cannot currently access them.

Persisting Concerns

IV has been the defining problems? As time from inde- of women in the lowest wealth until now, have been masked by disease of independent pendence has passed, it seems quintile who delivered their baby the impact of HIV. For example, HNamibia. Before 1986, that progress made in many with a skilled provider compared the DHS reports the blood pres- there were no reported cases areas of the healthcare sector has to 98% of women in the highest sure of over 2,000 women and in the then South-West Africa. stalled, and in some cases even quintile who delivered their baby 1,400 men and found that 44% of The infection rate rapidly rose reversed. Following independ- with a skilled provider. women and 45% men were hyper- over the next twenty years until ence, maternal mortality rose At independence, the racial tensive. However, only 20% of it reached a peak in 2002 with rather than declined and is now divide over healthcare provision women and 13% of men had ever an estimated 22% of pregnant back at the level it was at inde- was abolished. However a new been told they were hyperten- women infected with HIV/AIDS. pendence. Lack of resources for divider has appeared: Economics. sive by a healthcare professional. Since then the infection rate has emergency obstetric care is a key Another finding in the 2013 Whilst the survey is not intended started to decline, with the 2014 factor. But there are other more Demographic and Health Survey to provide diagnostic information sentinel survey reporting an basic – and ongoing – problems. is that 1 in 26 children die before to the participants, the results infection rate of 16.9% amongst Take for example, the finding reaching age one, and 1 in 19 are indicative of the potentially pregnant women. that the percentage of women children do not reach age five. widening discrepancy between HIV infection has placed a who saw a doctor on a continuous This means that in your typi- healthcare problems suffered and huge burden on the healthcare basis during pregnancy (four or cal Namibian child’s pre-school healthcare received in Namibia. system and Namibia’s achieve- more times) has declined from class of 20, one of his or her Another area affected by accessi- ment in dealing with the disease 70% in 2006/7 to 63% in 2013. friends will not get to celebrate bility, availability, and waiting in and reducing the infection level is This is a problem of accessibil- their fifth birthday. The level of endless queues that do not move? to be applauded. Patients receive ity, of availability, of waiting in infant and under-five mortality Namibia must also consider antiretroviral therapy, mother- endless queues that do not move. has declined since independence other future problems – not least to-child-transmission is being Similarly, the latest Demographic but there has been little notable multiple-drug-resistant TB; a reduced and life-expectancy for and Health Survey (DHS) also reduction since 2000. Fifteen worldwide concern but one with people living with HIV/AIDS has reports that whilst 88% of births years without improvement is too particular relevance to Namibia increased. Namibia can be proud in the last five years were deliv- long. Lives are literally at stake. where HIV and TB co-infection of these achievements. ered by a skilled provider, this is Namibia is also starting to be is common. But what of other healthcare average is calculated from 73% affected by health care issues that,

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 18 TOURISM Up all the way

To maintain stellar growth of the last 25 figures. The ebbs and flows of mous Safari Hotel and Confer- years, important issues need to be addressed the tourism products on offer in ence Center. Namibia Wildlife now, writes Jackie Asheeke Namibia also tell a story about Resorts (NWR) at Independence tourism in Namibia over 25 years. were no-star, bakkie-and-braai There have been hotel clo- campsites geared for South Afri- sures like the old Continental or can colonial civil servants which You’ve come a long to South Africans and Germans Berg hotels and ascendancies like have transformed into more than way baby!” was a 1970s as it did 25 years ago. It now the new Hilton Hotels in Wind- two dozen high quality resorts snappy cigarette adver- welcomes visitors from over hoek and the rebuilt ‘Strand’ hotel located in breathtakingly beauti- tisement referring to the 50 different countries as wide in Swakopmund. The amazingly ful areas inside national parks. “progress of women’s equality. It spread as Iceland, Japan, India, successful Gondwana Chain of A long list of tour opera- is now applicable to the tour- and Brazil. Larger numbers of Lodges started with the Canyon tors have entered/left the mar- ism industry in Namibia at the tourists from the SADC region, Lodge built nearly 20 years ago ket, merged or changed names dawn of its second 25 years as German speaking Europe, other at old Farm Karios in the south while ‘old hats’ like SWA safaris, an independent nation. EU nations, North America and has now grown to be 15 modern Springbok Atlas, Cheetah Tours There is no doubt that a sta- China, also flock to our desert lodges around the country. and Pack Safaris still charge tistical review of tourism in 1992 vistas, picturesque coastline, The rise and fall of the ahead in the 21st century with vs. 2013 would reveal raw growth adventure tourism opportuni- Namibia Country Lodges chain, a modern vision and thriving numbers that show tourism as ties and awesome national parks. the re-imaging of the old O&L businesses. a success story. Indeed, there is Namibia’s notable commen- Namib Sun Hotels into the Protea The last 25 years has seen much to celebrate. In 1992, there dations from world class travel brand and the arrival/departure government take quantum leaps were 20,000 tourist arrivals and magazines and media outlets are of the renowned German-based to reach the goal of using state by 2013, Namibia recorded 1.18 not a fluke, but a true representa- Kempenski brand from Namibia resources to broaden the base million. Also in 1992, 10,000 jobs tion of the hard work and finan- are notable industry events over of who benefits from tourism were generated by tourism, while cial investment by the private the last 25 years. in Namibia. The change of ben- in 2014, it was estimated that sector and government. Many The archaic Kalahari Sands eficiaries from tourism conces- 72,000 jobs, direct and indirect, travellers know that Namibia Hotel that was a mainstay in sions on state land, phasing out owed their existence to the travel is not just a destination, it’s an downtown Windhoek before the old Permission to Occupy and hospitality sector. experience. Independence finally received a (PTOs), the 1998 Act that began Namibia has grown up to be Tourism growth and develop- much overdue modernisation and the communal conservancy a world class tourism destination ment should not be measured renovation, while the old Safari program, specials to promote that no longer primarily caters only by generalised arrivals Motel has bloomed into the enor- domestic tourism and various

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 TOURISM 19

the dunes, the national parks and a past President of HAN and HAN, which was originally and state protected areas and FENATA, were active in tourism called the Hotel/Innkeeper’s coastal towns and surrounding before Independence and helped Association, now has more than locations. build the thriving industry that 500 members. “Over the past The report stated that the exists today. 10-15 years, the tourism industry vast majority of tourist arriv- While these two stalwarts has … gained the recognition it als was largely South Africans in the tourism sector as well as deserves in terms of the impact with a significant number of other current industry players and economic standing it has Germans. According to that were interviewed for this arti- within the Namibian economy ... study, the industry was asleep cle, it must be noted that many Today, tourism is ranked among technologically but highly in people, most who are no longer the top three [economic] sectors tune with wildlife issues and with us, made significant and in terms of contribution to the conservation and well-skilled in well appreciated contributions to GDP and employment creation …” satisfying their clients’ service/ build tourism in Namibia before At Independence, tumult and activity demands. The white Independence and since then. uncertainty killed tourism dead paper predicted a medium term GRN and the tourism indus- for those first few months; no one explosion of growth, profitabil- try must work closer together; came. The peak season then of ity and expansion of the tourism “nothing can be achieved by Gov- July – September was blank. No sector. ernment working alone or the one booked; they were frightened The recommendations from industry working alone; we each of the change; we were uncertain that white paper included the need each other,” were words of as well. The new Namibian gov- creation of NTB for training, praise for the first Minister of ernment now required passports marketing and regulation of Tourism, the late Hon. Nico Bess- to be used to enter the coun- the industry, establishment of inger and the previous Minister, try. The South African tourists, a government statistics agency Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah, who were the majority of those to record tourism data, separa- along with wishes that the new spending money for holidays in tion of NWR from GRN, tight- tourism minister follow those Namibia at that time, entered ening of regulations to prevent two examples of leadership and mostly on the old ‘Book of Life’. environmental degradation, partnership. The call for more Most South Africans, in those

Namibia’s notable commendations from world class travel magazines and media outlets are not a fluke, but a true representation of the hard work and financial investment by the private sector and government. support mechanisms for new maintaining Namibia as a niche funding for marketing at the NTB days, did not have passports as tourism ventures by previously market destination, and spon- was universal. they never travelled outside the disadvantaged Namibians are sorship of public information In looking forward at tour- region. As the passport require- moderately successful paths to campaigns about tourism. It is ism in the next 25 years, there ment was effective instantly, addressing the significant imbal- a success for tourism in Namibia is strong support for key tourism there was no time for people to ance in diversity amongst those since Independence that these legislation that has been idling organize and prospective South owning and controlling tourism achievements have been largely for years (such as the Wildlife African visitors cancelled their operations. implemented with GRN working Act and updates to the NTB Act), trips. together with the private sector. better support for national parks, But, the industry worked Looking back Interviews with key long- more state funds for communal well with the first Minister of Looking back nearly 25 years, time players in Namibian tour- conservancies, and an end to Tourism. Due to his efforts, Cabi- in 1991, the newly independent ism reveal a composite picture poaching. net adjusted their position and Republic of Namibia contracted of growth and development that a team of foreign consultants helps tell the story of tourism over to prepare a ‘white paper’ on the last 25 years. Volker Grell- tourism. Among other things, it man, the doyen of professional described the tourism industry hunters in Namibia and one of in Namibia at Independence as the founders of the Namibian insular (German and Afrikaner Professional Hunting Association dominated) with cottage busi- (NAPHA) over 40 years ago and nesses led by hunting outfits, a Johnnie Hamman, Managing few hotels in Windhoek and Swa- Director of the Safari Hotel and kopmund, a couple of guest farms Conference Center and one of the and a handful of tour operating original founders of the ‘then’ companies. Other than trophy Hotel Association of Namibia in hunting, the product on offer 1987 (now called the Hospitality was mainly wildlife viewing, Association of Namibia - HAN)

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 20 TOURISM

allowed the law requiring pass- are being paid over by hunters vehicles, qualified tour guides, tourists at the same time? The ports to come into effect January to communities for the right and bed availability around the role of Air Namibia and other 1, 1991 rather than immediately. to hunt in conservancies or in country (outside of cities) are airlines are going to be even That one action made a world of concessions and this has given fully booked from mid-June more critical to future tourism difference and allowed tourism wild game in rural areas high through November. This is an expansion. to revive during the first uncer- financial value. This value has area that needs to be addressed To keep tourism growing tain year after Independence and increased awareness and ‘own- perhaps with a future legislative in the next 25 years, Namibia forged a positive bond between ership’ of those animals by the framework for tourism develop- must maintain its reputation as the industry and the government. local people, who in turn, protect ment in zones based on market a safe, value-for-money destina- them and the habitat of the game. demand. tion, increase air access, build Positives and negatives Still, there are negatives For the next 25 years, the up existing markets and find For professional hunting, that threaten the next 25 years industry and GRN contem- new ones, attract more small/ some of the positive changes of tourism success. There are plates expansion into the Meet- medium international events in include the entrenchment of unscrupulous hunters out to ings, Incentives, Conferencing the off-peak season, increase hunting ethics and a fully inter- make a ‘quick buck’ who ignore and Events (MICE) market and support to communal conserv- national hunting clientele. Trophy NAPHA rules and international has hosted several success- ancies, end poaching, upgrade hunting has caused game popu- standards. MET is overwhelmed ful international events. These airports, increase market-smart lations to grow to levels never with the applications for licences programmes bring profits and accommodation near iconic loca- before seen. A controlled hunting and the administration/supervi- increased temporary job crea- tions, improve tourism training, industry working hand-in-hand sion of the hunting programme. tion. But, increased arrivals for provide cheaper financial capital with communal conservancies, And clearly a small number of events held in the peak season are for expansion, educate differ- MET and nature conservation local people are assisting in the hindered by the finite number of ent Ministries about their role NGOs, since independence has poaching of rhinos and elephants. airline seats available. in tourism, and generate more made hunting a conservation These areas require attention The next 25 years has to commitment by interested young tool. Hunting outfits market immediately. answer these questions: How people to stay in the sector as a trips for specific animals which Bottlenecks near the iconic can a monthly conference for lifelong career. are counted and controlled by locations block tourism growth 500-1000 people at each event The next 25 years of tourism MET who then issues licences now and will do so in the next 25 occur during a peak season that growth has a long ‘to do list.’ for hunts. Significant revenues years as well. Rental cars, tour welcomes at least 400,000 leisure

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insight Namibia Report 2014/15 POLITICS 21 The reluctant President

PPresident Pohamba is far from being a driven idealist but he is an essentially decent man who, perhaps unknowingly, has set a template for better governance in Africa. Ultimately, whether this will be enough to cement his reputation as a good leader in the eyes of historians remains unclear. His failure to tackle Namibia’s poverty and unemployment in anything more than a haphazard way may yet blot his record and make life difficult for his successors.

he 1990s did not sug- without Portfolio in 1998 so that president to serve three terms. tude to his ministerial work was gest that President he could focus on his duties as Pohamba played a key role in summed up by his comment Pohamba was Head Swapo’s Secretary General. paving the way for Nujoma’s when he was handed the Lands of State material. Prior There was another rea- third term. portfolio in January in 2001. to assuming the presi- son why Nujoma appointed Pohamba remained Nujo- On being asked whether he Tdency in 2005, Pohamba held Pohamba as a minister without ma’s most trusted confidant and had been appointed to initiate three ministerial posts and for a job description. Nujoma had his role in securing the third a Zimbabwe-style-land-grab, a time was Minister Without decided by 1998 that he wanted term no doubt went some way he said: “I don’t intend to do Portfolio in Cabinet. He was to serve a third term in office to securing his position as the anything apart from what is in Minister of Home Affairs for even though Namibia’s constitu- founding president’s most likely existence and the procedures the whole of Swapo’s first term tion limited him to two five year successor. followed by my predecessor.” in office. President Sam Nujoma terms. As a result he needed In 2001, he was appointed There is an irony in the then appointed him to the Fish- his closest comrade to ensure as Minister of Lands, Reset- fact that Pohamba, as Lands eries and Marine Resources there was enough backing in the tlement and Rehabilitation – a Minister, was muttering the Portfolio from 1995 to 1998. party and in the country for a post which he held until his same mantra in 2001 as he Somewhat controversially he constitutional amendment that elevation to the highest office was repeating 14 years later was appointed as a Minister would allow Namibia’s founding on March 21 2005. His atti- when he left the highest office

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NAMIBIA Shell trademarks used under license. POLITICS 23

in the land. When he came his status as Nujoma’s anointed and corruption in public life. I, petered out. Pohamba chose not into office as Lands Minister, candidate were crucial in secur- therefore, make a solemn pledge to release the reports allegedly government’s policy was under ing the presidential nomination. to you my compatriots and fel- because they pointed to unsa- fire for its slowness in redis- Pohamba was selected as low citizens that I shall set a voury goings-on at the top of tributing land from mostly Swapo’s presidential candidate personal example.” the party. white commercial farmers to for the November 2004 elec- Nujoma’s approach to tack- For a president generally landless blacks. The ‘willing tions at an extraordinary party ling corruption had mostly been regarded as ‘clean’ he has occa- buyer willing seller’ approach congress held in May of that piecemeal – appointing occa- sionally been accused of receiv- was amended in 2004 with an year. Pohamba, who had been sional presidential commis- ing inappropriate benefits. The announcement that expropria- nominated by Nujoma, gained sions of inquiry to investigate first was when the Chinese gov- tion would now be used. But the 341 votes against Hidipo Ham- scandals in state-owned com- ernment was reported to have announcement was not made utenya’s 167 in a run-off bal- panies. An Anti-Corruption Act given scholarships to the chil- by Pohamba, but rather by lot. Nujoma’s decision to sack had been passed in 2003 but dren of a number of Cabinet then Prime Minister Theo-Ben Hamutenya as Foreign Affairs the agency it envisaged – the ministers and other leading Gurirab in a special address on Minister just days before the Anti-Corruption Commission Swapo figures, including to his television. Pohamba’s cautious Congress undoubtedly damaged (ACC) – had not been set up daughter Ndapandula. Pohamba nature and his belief in the rule his campaign, although from during Nujoma’s time in State claimed he had no knowledge of law probably ensured that the margin of victory it would House. In a rare show of deci- of his daughter’s plans to study very little actually happened in appear that Pohamba’s support siveness Pohamba moved to set in China although it was clear the way of land seizures. Both was strong enough to win him up the ACC and it was officially that the Chinese embassy had as Minister and President, the nomination anyway. launched in February 2006 – specifically offered the scholar- Pohamba was more likely to There is a little doubt that within a year of his inaugura- ships to handpicked families in urge white farmers with large Pohamba was a reluctant presi- tion. At the point, it did appear the ruling elite. The Chinese tracts of land to give up por- dential candidate. Pohamba’s that Pohamba would take a far Embassy refussed to cooper- tions of their farms for resettle- rivals for the job were far more more pro-active approach to ate with an ACC probe into the ment than actually force them openly eager to fill the top post. dealing with corruption than issue. through expropriation orders. Hage Geingob had been dis- turned out to be the case. In 2012 it also emerged He was still doing this in 2015. that Pohamba had been given 14 hectares of communal land Party progress There is a little doubt by a local chief in the Kavango While Pohamba’s ministe- region – not his traditional area. rial career was mostly unim- that Pohamba was a reluctant Pohamba was among a number pressive, his progress within presidential candidate. of high-ranking officials given Swapo’s structures was more tracts of land. While there discernible. At the first post- was nothing illegal about the independence Swapo congress, missed as Prime Minister in While few doubt his per- arrangement, it was unclear why Pohamba was re-elected to the 2002 ostensibly for campaign- sonal integrity, some observers the President, who owns a com- Central Committee and the ing too openly to be Nujoma’s feel he has failed to impose his mercial farm, would take land in Politburo, and continued to successor. Pohamba saw himself personal standards on fellow an area where poor rural com- serve as Swapo’s Secretary for as the continuity candidate. Cabinet members and other munities have a greater need for Finance. Nujoma’s decision to back senior figures in Swapo. Since agricultural land. Pohamba was At the 1997 Swapo Con- Pohamba was vindicated by his its inception, the ACC has unlikely to have been the insti- gress he was chosen as party sheer popularity in the coun- been accused of only focus- gator in seeking such benefits. Secretary General, replacing try. Pohamba went on to win ing on ‘small fish’. No Cabinet the ailing Moses Garoëb. Five an overwhelming mandate in member has ever faced charges Nujoma’s shadow years later, with strong backing the 2004 Presidential election under the Anti-Corruption Act, When Pohamba came to from Nujoma, he was elected – gaining 625,605 votes (more although a permanent secretary power in 2005, his initial Cabi- unopposed as party Vice Presi- than Nujoma ever had). His with strong party links was con- net appointments differed little dent. As part of his positioning share of the vote was 76 per- victed while a former head of the from Nujoma’s – largely based of Pohamba as heir apparent, cent, slightly less than Nujoma’s army has had a bank account on the Swapo ‘old guard’. He Nujoma made sure the Swapo in 1999. frozen under the Prevention of even created new ministerial Congress in 2002 knew of his Organised Crime Act. posts and kept the Minister track record when he nominated President Pohamba Pohamba was also criticised without Portfolio designation him as party vice-president. Pohamba was sworn in as for failng to release the reports for the party Secretary-General. Nujoma told delegates that president on March 21 2005. of the several commissions of When Pohamba took over Pohamba had twice risked his His inauguration speech was inquiry set up by Nujoma. The Swapo was still recovering from life for the sake of Swapo – both marked by effusive praise for his public inquiries into irregulari- a fractious period in which sev- when he returned to Namibia in predecessor, calls for national ties at state-owned companies eral leading figures had left the 1962 to undertake mobilisation unity, and a strong emphasis and agencies such as the Social party to join Hidipo Hamun- work and when he accompanied on continuity in terms of policy Security Commission and the tenya in a new opposition party Nujoma in March 1966 to test priorities. The two sentences Roads Contractor Company – the Rally for Democracy and whether the South Africans that drew most attention were produced scandalous testimony Progress (RDP). In this context, were prepared to negotiate. a direct commitment to fight- yet the final reports were kept it may have been understand- Again in 2004 Pohamba’s role ing corruption: “As before there away from prying eyes at State able for him to risk no further in the history of Swapo and will be zero tolerance for waste House and police investigations ructions by sidelining other

insight Namibia Report 2014/15 24 POLITICS

leading figures in his Cabinet also did not indulge in verbal was 52 percent. Tipeeg, which with making Swapo a more open choices. However, he continued attacks on gays and lesbians, largely focused on fast-tracking and tolerant party during his to be conservative in his choices. whites, ‘Boers’ and ‘imperial- state infrastructure projects time in power. When he came As his second term started in ists’ as his predecessor did. that were already planned, into office in 2005, Nujoma 2010 he kept 14 of his minis- Pohamba is noticeably mod- produced few permanent jobs. remained active in party poli- ters in the same positions while est in his tastes and eschews A more chaotic policy option, tics as President of Swapo. This promoting a handful of deputy a luxurious lifestyle. When he which was put into action with was the status quo until the ministers. Even with another came to power he made a point little planning or research, 2007 congress when Nujoma very strong performance in of sometimes using commercial was the mass housing scheme made way for Pohamba to head the 2009 elections, in which flights instead of the presiden- launched in 2014, which aims to both party and government. By he took 75 percent of the vote or tial jet and of reducing the size build 185,000 housing units by being less authoritarian than 611,241 votes (only slightly down of the presidential motorcade 2030. In its early stages the pro- his predecessor Pohamba unin- on 2004), he did not appear to from Nujoma’s time. He did gramme was blighted by reports tentionally encouraged freedom feel he had a mandate to act move into the controversial of poor planning, corruption, of expression and sometimes more decisively. North Korean-built State House and waste. dissent.. Only after the 2012 party complex, which had been built Some of the achievements In this sense Pohamba can congress, which elected his heir during Nujoma’s last term in likely to be cited as his legacy be seen to have played a crucial apparent in the form of a new office. Latterly, he also agreed include major infrastructure role in moving Swapo from lib- presidential candidate, did he to receiving post-presidency projects such as the develop- eration movement to a modern, make some bold choices. He benefits such as a N$35 mil- ment of the Walvis Bay port, the democratic political party. replaced Prime Minister Nahas lion mansion. building of new roads and the The fact that Swapo held a Angula with Hage Geingob – Pohamba also cut down construction of new government competitive three-way contest who had secured the position on foreign travel undertaking buildings. Major foreign invest- to select its presidential can- in a tough three-way fight with only a handful of state visits ments such as the Ohorongo didate without the rancour of Justice Minister Pendukeni to other countries each year. cement project and the Husab 2004 that led to some mem- Iivula-Ithana and Local Govern- However, this also reflected uranium mine have also become bers leaving to join the RDP, ment Minister Jerry Ekandjo. his lack of interest in foreign a reality during his time in was testimony to his tolerant In his ten years in power policy matters. Pohamba played office. However, critics point leadership style. Pohamba did he only sacked one Minister – a marginal role in the Southern out that his government has back Geingob as his favoured when he dropped Youth Min- African Development Commu- achieved little when it comes candidate but not in a manner ister Kazenambo Kazenambo nity. His year as chairman of to development projects that are which made rivals feel the play- in 2012 following a string of the regional body – in 2010-11 fundamental to the economy ing field was not level. provocative statements. – passed by without any dis- such as shifting Namibia away Pohamba’s willingness to Pohamba’s second term was cernible progress on regional from power imports from South bury hatchets was made clear generally disappointing. He did integration. Swapo’s close ties Africa and significantly upgrad- when he asked the leader of not introduce new blood and with Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF ing the rail network. the opposition and his erstwhile technocratic skills into Cabi- party made it impossible for Progress on education comrade Hidipo Hamutenya net, while any sense of urgency Pohamba to play any kind of has essentially flat-lined dur- to speak at his 30th wedding only developed in the last cou- mediating role in the ongoing ing Pohamba’s time in office anniversary in August 2013. It ple of years when he suddenly Zimbabwean crisis. The only with secondary school results was a scene that would have appeared to realise he had lit- sign that Pohamba could be improving only marginally. been inconceivable a few years tle to show for this ten years more flexible than his predeces- Pohamba recognised that the before. in power and therefore needed sor came when the Namibian health sector was in crisis in As he stood down as head some legacy projects. president met leader of the 2012 when he appointed a of state, Pohamba’s essential Zimbabwean opposition, Mor- commission of inquiry. The decency appeared to be the Leadership style gan Tsvangirai, in Namibia in commission’s report, tabled in emerging narrative in assess- Pohamba received wide 2011 when the latter had been 2013, contained some damning ing his legacy and was a key praise for being consultative appointed as Prime Minister in findings. The quality of public factor in his winning the lucra- and collegial in his approach a unity government. health facilities was described tive Ibrahim Prize for African to governance. In his parlia- as “below acceptable standards” leaderhship. Tales of delayed mentary profile before he was Policy choices During his time in office he kept implementation, slow delivery elected president he listed his One of the main criticisms the same Minister of Finance, and missed opportunities were legislative interests as: Dialogue of the Pohamba presidency has Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, only a sub-text in that narrative. and multi-party law-making. He been its lack of focussed policy whose budgets have been widely Hindsight may eventually regularly called in leaders of formation and implementation. praised for maintaining fiscal look more closely at his missteps opposition parties for consulta- Policies were often created ‘on discipline. As a result gov- and inaction. Perhaps Pohamba tions at State House. Although, the hoof’ to fend off problems. ernment was able to increase should have served for a single it may not have been a deliberate These included the Targeted spending following the 2009 term in which he opened up strategy this effectively neutral- Intervention Programme for economic downturn in attempt political space and had a calm- ised the opposition so that they Employment and Economic to help Namibia weather the ing effect on the nation before found it hard to criticise him. Growth (Tipeeg), which was global storm. making way for a more dynamic This approach marked him introduced in 2011 in response leader who could have tackled out as more inclusive and less to a 2008 labour force survey Legacy Namibia’s socio-economic prob- authoritarian than Nujoma. He that said the unemployment rate Pohamba has been credited lems with far more vigour.

insight Namibia Report 2014/15