RP leans more on moral, structural issues than economic, social concerns – analyst

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah has criticised the Republican Party (RP) for focussing more on moral and structural issues than immediate economic and social concerns in its manifesto.

The RP’s manifesto was launched by its president, Henk Mudge, in Windhoek last month.

Mudge said his government will be based on the word of God with right and wrong and no in-betweens, recognising man and woman only and rejecting abortion.

Among the key highlights of the manifesto are unemployment and poverty, housing, education and training, land reform, agriculture and resettlement, natural resources, corruption and health.

However, Kamwanyah said although the manifesto touches on several issues and governance matters, such as reducing government ministries and reclaiming mines, it does not directly address basic issues.

“While these are significant in their own right, they don’t directly address the most urgent bread-and-butter issues like unemployment, poverty or economic inequality. Namibians are primarily concerned with how to put food on the table, job creation, affordable housing, healthcare and education,” Kamwanyah said.

He also flagged Mudge’s idea of dissolving regional councils as potentially controversial.

“Regional governance plays a key role in decentralisation and bringing the government closer to the people, especially in rural areas.
“Abortion and issues of personal morality are also sensitive and divisive. By prioritising these issues, the RP might alienate a segment of the population who would prefer a focus on economic growth and development,” he said.

According to Kamwanyah, Namibians may be cautious about trusting the RP to govern effectively unless it provides clearer policies on how it plans to tackle unemployment, food security and wealth distribution.

EXPECTATIONS
Kamwanyah said he expected the RP to present more pragmatic solutions to Namibia’s socio-economic challenges.

“Addressing income inequality, unemployment and corruption should have been at the forefront. While their stance on moral issues and governance reform is clear, it’s surprising that there’s little emphasis on job creation, agricultural development or other sectors that could stimulate economic growth,” Kamwanyah added.