PLEASE allow me in my capacity as both an employee of the Community Skills Development Foundation and as a citizen of Namibia to share my views regarding your selection of Minister Nahas Angula as one of the Swapo candidates for the next presidential election.
I have had the pleasure of working with Minister Angula since independence, an experience that has given me the greatest respect for the Minister and his unwavering commitment to the people of this country. I believe that this commitment, as well as his understanding of national issues and the political processes necessary to address them make Minister Angula the kind of leader Namibia needs if it is to reach its full potential.It is my view that whoever succeeds President Sam Nujoma must be a person of vision, integrity and resolve.Much has been accomplished since the early 1990’s, but still more must be done; and progress will occur only if the new President has the energy and determination to continue the legacy of positive change.This will mean tackling crime, corruption and conflict, challenges that threaten to destroy the progress made since independence.The new President must also have community development at heart and the courage to enforce the measures necessary to improve the lives of the vast majority of Namibians.Namibia deserves a leader who can set an example for other African countries.We all know the current situation across most of the continent, and no Namibian desires to go down such a path.Namibia, arguably the most stable country in sub-Saharan African, is poised to play an important role in African development.With a firm commitment to effective education and training, sound economic policy decision-making, and political transparency, Namibia could become a model for all of Africa.To accomplish this, we must have a President who can build trust and confidence within the donor community, yet who will not compromise the dignity and well-being of his people in the pursuit of international funding.We must have a leader who encourages foreign investment, yet whose ultimate aim is a skilled Namibian workforce capable of controlling its own economic destiny.We must have a leader respected by the world, yet focused on the promotion of a proud, responsible and disciplined nation.We need a leader who will lead by example, a President who is not afraid to face his constituents and walk in their midst.I am convinced that the Honorable Nahas Angula is such a leader and the person to take this country in the right direction.He is truly committed to improving the lives of the poor by helping communities to help themselves.He makes well-considered financial decisions and invests government money where needed most.I also believe that he will continue to make Namibia safe for all citizens, regardless of their colour or ethnicity, and to ensure that visitors to our country feel welcome and secure.I know that he will fight against corruption, mismanagement and fraud as he has always done, continuing to be a strong voice against such abhorrent practices.Minister Nahas Angula has the attributes of a national leader and representative of the nation to the global community.He is fair in his pronouncements and always considerate of the human factors involved, an approach that has earned him great respect.In addition, he expects from others only what he himself is willing to contribute.This has earned him the support and co-operation of his people, and exemplified for us what public service really means.Lawrence Pringle Via e-mailI believe that this commitment, as well as his understanding of national issues and the political processes necessary to address them make Minister Angula the kind of leader Namibia needs if it is to reach its full potential.It is my view that whoever succeeds President Sam Nujoma must be a person of vision, integrity and resolve.Much has been accomplished since the early 1990’s, but still more must be done; and progress will occur only if the new President has the energy and determination to continue the legacy of positive change.This will mean tackling crime, corruption and conflict, challenges that threaten to destroy the progress made since independence.The new President must also have community development at heart and the courage to enforce the measures necessary to improve the lives of the vast majority of Namibians. Namibia deserves a leader who can set an example for other African countries.We all know the current situation across most of the continent, and no Namibian desires to go down such a path.Namibia, arguably the most stable country in sub-Saharan African, is poised to play an important role in African development.With a firm commitment to effective education and training, sound economic policy decision-making, and political transparency, Namibia could become a model for all of Africa.To accomplish this, we must have a President who can build trust and confidence within the donor community, yet who will not compromise the dignity and well-being of his people in the pursuit of international funding.We must have a leader who encourages foreign investment, yet whose ultimate aim is a skilled Namibian workforce capable of controlling its own economic destiny.We must have a leader respected by the world, yet focused on the promotion of a proud, responsible and disciplined nation.We need a leader who will lead by example, a President who is not afraid to face his constituents and walk in their midst. I am convinced that the Honorable Nahas Angula is such a leader and the person to take this country in the right direction.He is truly committed to improving the lives of the poor by helping communities to help themselves.He makes well-considered financial decisions and invests government money where needed most.I also believe that he will continue to make Namibia safe for all citizens, regardless of their colour or ethnicity, and to ensure that visitors to our country feel welcome and secure.I know that he will fight against corruption, mismanagement and fraud as he has always done, continuing to be a strong voice against such abhorrent practices.Minister Nahas Angula has the attributes of a national leader and representative of the nation to the global community.He is fair in his pronouncements and always considerate of the human factors involved, an approach that has earned him great respect.In addition, he expects from others only what he himself is willing to contribute.This has earned him the support and co-operation of his people, and exemplified for us what public service really means.Lawrence Pringle Via e-mail
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