The Arrival of Oil is a Beacon of Opportunity, but Only Under the Rule of Law

The discovery of oil in our beloved Namibia is not merely a stroke of luck, it is a beacon of opportunity.

As the winds of change sweep across our nation, carrying the promise of newfound prosperity, it is imperative that we seize this opportunity with a resolute commitment to the principles that define a just and equitable society.

At a recent Namibia oil and gas conference I attended, it was clear that we discovered oil at an opportune moment: Many of our brothers and sisters in Africa have had decades of experience in the oil industry and we can learn valuable lessons from their mistakes and avoid the risk of repeating them.

We have the potential to transform our nation and uplift the lives of all our people, especially those burdened by the weight of disadvantages.

However, this transformation can only be realised under the unwavering umbrella of the rule of law.

PRIORITIES

Our journey towards progress must be guided by the belief that every citizen, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have an equal chance to share in the benefits this newfound wealth can bring.

For too long, we have witnessed the inequalities and injustices that plague our society, leaving many to fend for themselves in the face of economic decline.

The arrival of oil provides us with a unique opportunity to alter this trajectory, to rewrite the narrative of our nation’s destiny.

Revenue generated from oil and gas is much higher than that of other extractive resources, especially through support services.

There is, however, a need for carefully crafted local content if the ordinary Namibian is to directly benefit from this wealth other than through taxes.

There is a need for maximum education among the youth about the benefits of developing the service supply industry for the oil industry.

Our people must be the priority employees and we must prepare them with the relevant skills and attitude, conscious that the oil industry requires strict adherence to high international standards.

The potential is there and it is immense.

Yet, this potential can easily be squandered if we do not address the issue that have marred our progress for far too long – disregard for the rule of law.

POTENTIAL

I am driven by a firm belief that our nation’s true potential can only be unleashed when we are guided by the principles of the rule of law, justice, accountability and transparency.

The rampant corruption that has infiltrated our government has not only eroded the fabric of our society, but has stifled the dreams and aspirations of countless Namibians.

The fact that even high-ranking officials and individuals find themselves behind bars is stark testament to the depth of the problem we face.

Corruption, nepotism and the misuse of power have weakened our institutions and deepened the chasm between those in authority and everyday citizens striving for a better life.

To ensure that the arrival of oil is indeed a beacon of opportunity, we must resolutely commit to upholding the rule of law.

This means not only prosecuting those who have abused their positions for personal gain, but fostering a culture of accountability that permeates every level of governance.

It means creating an environment where businesses can thrive without the fear of arbitrary decisions, where the rights of every citizen are protected, and where the law is a shield against corrupt conduct, inequality and injustice.

PROGRESS

As we look ahead to 2024, it’s clear the majority of our voters will be from a younger demographic.

They are the torch bearers of our future, the ones who will inherit the decisions we make today.

We owe it to them and to ourselves to pave the way for a future built on the solid foundation of the rule of law.

They deserve a Namibia where their potential can flourish, unburdened by the shadows of corruption and lawlessness.

The discovery of oil in Namibia can illuminate the path to progress for all our people, particularly those who have faced disadvantages.
However, this can only be realised through an unyielding commitment to the rule of law by all of us.

Together we must forge a Namibia that is just, prosperous and guided by the unwavering principles of justice, good governance and accountability.

• Panduleni Itula is the president of the Independent Patriots for Change, and a candidate for the 2024 Namibian presidential elections.