Itula sings jobs, tax cuts and business growth

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader Panduleni Itula wants to create jobs and implement a fair taxation system if he wins the November presidential election.

Itula announced these aspirations at the IPC manifesto launch in Windhoek over the weekend.

“Only a new leadership group without corrupt and self-serving elements, with new ideas and new energy, will take Namibia forward. The IPC will work tirelessly to restore the dignity of Namibians,” Itula said.

“We will ensure that our nation is a nation rid of corruption.”

Itula promised a “world-class education system that equips every Namibian with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in a rapidly changing global socio-economic environment”.

The IPC also aims to double youth entrepreneurship within five years.

“Ensure that 90% of Namibian youth are either in education, employment or training by 2028. We will do this through ensuring that Namibia fully embraces entrepreneurship and is friendly towards Namibians starting businesses,” he said.

The IPC further plans to implement significant pro-employment tax reforms, he added.

“The reforms focus on small and new businesses, including a progressive non-mining corporate income tax rate.”

He said the tax reforms are aimed at easing the financial burden on businesses making less than N$2 million in profit.

N$5 BILLION FOR EDUCATION REFORM

The IPC plans to invest N$5 billion of public funds, coupled with additional partner funds, over five years, he said.

“We will ensure that 100% of schools have access to electricity, internet and basic sanitation, irrespective of location. We are committed to increase the tertiary education enrollment rate from 24% to 40% within six years,” he added.

The IPC aims to achieve a 95% literacy rate across all age groups within a decade and will ensure that 80% of graduates find employment or start businesses within one year of completing their education.

280 000 HOUSES IN 10 YEARS

Itula said the IPC targets the construction of 280 000 houses within 10 years to increase the stock of formal housing within the country.

“We will reduce the number of informal settlements by 50% within seven years and ensure that 70% of Namibians own their homes within a decade,” he said.

He further promised to increase access to electricity by 50% within five years, and achieve universal access within 10 years.

The IPC further aims to achieve 95% internet penetration across Namibia within five years and create 50 000 new jobs in the tech sector in the same period, he said.

The IPC wants to position Namibia in the top five African countries for ease of doing digital business within three years, he added.

The IPC further plans to introduce a general cash-income grant for vulnerable populations.

“This will be managed and administered in a cost-effective manner utilising technology, electronic wallets and mobile phones,” he said.

Social justice activist Rinaani Musutua says IPC’s cash-income grant proposal is not well strategised.

It has not been costed, it lacks a timeline, she says.

“It is surprising for a person who claims to have all the best strategies to come up with such a half-baked plan with no clear details. This is a sign that he is using the proposed grant just to look good in the eye of the common man and buy their votes.”

Social justice activist Nafimane Hamukoshi says the IPCs ambitious goals for the future are commendable in terms of sustainable development.

“Achieving ambitious youth employment targets requires addressing the skills mismatch between education and job market needs and supporting youth entrepreneurship with funding and mentorship while simplifying regulations,” she says.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the IPC’s manifesto reflects a bold attempt to address Namibia’s most pressing issues.
“It is written with a sense of urgency and appears to resonate with the frustrations many Namibians have with the status quo.

“While the manifesto touches on key areas like employment, health and education, there is a notable lack of detail on how to foster inclusivity and unity in a divided nation,” says Kamwanyah.