NDP wants 10-year mandatory military service

The National Democratic Party (NDP) wants to propose 10 years of mandatory military service to tackle the country’s high unemployment rate.

The party shared this plan with Desert Radio, following the launch of its election manifesto at the Katutura Youth and Teachers’ Centre yesterday.

Party president Martin Lukato said the proposed five- to 10-year mandatory military service would address the housing crisis by providing young people with housing while they serve the country.

“People here are without shelter, water and food. The national military service will ensure that Namibians do not suffer in the Land of the Brave,” he said.

Lukato said the party proposes building hospitals in all 14 regions to reduce the strain on Windhoek’s hospitals.

“Many of our people die on the way to Windhoek for medical treatment or while waiting to be treated in hospitals and clinics,” he said.

Lukato said green schemes should be set up in all regions to further create jobs and address unemployment.

“Farming is so important, Namibia can manage to feed itself and all of Africa because the earth is so fertile.”

The party manifesto also tackles corruption by creating an independent anti-corruption body not affiliated with any political party.

Party mobiliser Jimmy Lilungwe said the NDP would address the high school dropout rate by providing all Namibians with free tertiary education.

“The educational sector cannot come up with a curriculum that will help its people and students to achieve what they want with their education,” he said.