Swapo promises 500 000 jobs in 5 years

Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the party will create more than half a million employment opportunities over the next five years.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was speaking during the Swapo star rally at Eenhana in the Ohangwena region on Saturday, revealed that N$85 billion will be made available for that goal.

“Unemployment among the youth is real, very real. That is why the Swapo manifesto has it in black and white that N$85 billion will be made available to address the situation and create jobs for our youth,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She also took a swipe at those who steal public funds for personal gratification, particularly pointing out the Fishrot saga.

She urged those entrusted by the government with key responsibilities and funds to work so that they can improve the lives of Namibians, and to refrain from stealing, which halts development and drives more people into poverty.

“Let’s stop these things of taking short cuts, siphoning money meant for projects, greed and plain corruption.

We cannot want to enrich ourselves at the expense of others.

Namibia is enough for all of us, we can all fit in it and when we do away with corruption everyone can have a chance to have a piece of the pie. Let’s do things transparently, “ urged Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She said the Swapo-led government will continue to build on the good foundation that was left by the previous leader, and has encouraged young people to cherish the country’s history.

“We should not be ashamed of our history; we have a beautiful history and not a shameful one.

Without knowing your history you would not know where you are from or where you are going. Let’s not be lied to that our history is irrelevant,” she added.

She said after independence, the country encountered myriad challenges such as droughts, flooding, disease and economic crises. However, she said, the Swapo-led government persevered.

Swapo regional coordinator for the Ohangwena region Phillemon Joshua revealed that, out of the region’s population of 337 729, approximately 140 000 people have been registered to vote. He predicted that the majority of voters would support Swapo.

“I am optimistic that 98% of people registered to vote in the region will be voting for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Swapo come 27 November,” said Joshua.