Let’s Welcome The Chinese

ALLOW me to comment on an article in The Namibian of November 21 2006, titled ’40 000 Chinese in Namibia, MP says – Scramble for Africa on again’.

44 000 Chinese – some “hopefully” to become Namibian Chinese (citizens) – is remarkable. Meaning that the size of the Chinese community in Namibia has surpassed some ethnic groupings that have lived in Namibia over hundreds of years.And that is all in a span of a decade.The Presidential visit and bilateral agreements are bringing results, which Namibians must be proud of.It is not easy to lure people with money and expertise to a country, out of so many countries to choose from.Namibia is a destination for such investors for what the country can offer: peace, economic and political stability.Therefore, shunning the Chinese and other investors from the Far East is counter-productive, considering how much time and resources we put in to invite thousands of such people to our country.Namibians must not be afraid of the challenges of competing against such a formidable and experienced people, but if anything must embrace the people as our own brothers and sisters.We must not be a closed nation, but by all means open doors for such people to build our country together, be it in the civil service or even the armed forces.It is unfortunate that many Namibians are still caught up with the colonial hangover implanted with the policy of living separately, tribe by tribe, colour and so many divisive factors that only send us backwards.If anything, we need to have proper institutions and a visionary leadership that will lay a firm solid foundation for our generation and more generations to come.In conclusion, rather than criticising and crying wolf, it’s time we give recognition where it’s due – the Ministry of Home Affairs that could process such applications speedily and those that made it possible for such people to choose Namibia.Welcome to the human race.It is globalisation.Mulife Muchali Vancouver – CanadaMeaning that the size of the Chinese community in Namibia has surpassed some ethnic groupings that have lived in Namibia over hundreds of years.And that is all in a span of a decade.The Presidential visit and bilateral agreements are bringing results, which Namibians must be proud of.It is not easy to lure people with money and expertise to a country, out of so many countries to choose from.Namibia is a destination for such investors for what the country can offer: peace, economic and political stability.Therefore, shunning the Chinese and other investors from the Far East is counter-productive, considering how much time and resources we put in to invite thousands of such people to our country.Namibians must not be afraid of the challenges of competing against such a formidable and experienced people, but if anything must embrace the people as our own brothers and sisters.We must not be a closed nation, but by all means open doors for such people to build our country together, be it in the civil service or even the armed forces.It is unfortunate that many Namibians are still caught up with the colonial hangover implanted with the policy of living separately, tribe by tribe, colour and so many divisive factors that only send us backwards.If anything, we need to have proper institutions and a visionary leadership that will lay a firm solid foundation for our generation and more generations to come.In conclusion, rather than criticising and crying wolf, it’s time we give recognition where it’s due – the Ministry of Home Affairs that could process such applications speedily and those that made it possible for such people to choose Namibia.Welcome to the human race.It is globalisation.Mulife Muchali Vancouver – Canada