CHIEF Frans Mikub Goagoseb, president of the Namibia Democratic Movement for Change, at a public rally in Mariental on 24 October 2009.
We have only some few days before we as citizens exercise our democratic right to vote for who we want to lead us for the next five years. However, what pains me is the fact that over the past 20 years of our independence the government of the day has failed miserably in addressing problems confronting our people expecially in rural areas.
It is a fact that many people flock to urban centers in particular Windhoek in search of employment. Why? Simply because the Swapo led government has failed in bringing development to settlements such as this one where we are standing today. Driving through the streets of Mariental, especially through this informal settlement, one is struck by rampant poverty clearly visible on the faces of those that I have seen.
The question that begs an answer is that is it really possible that Nami¬bia with its abundant resources can be high on the list of those countries throughout the world were the gap between the rich and poor is so wide? Surely Namibia is not a poor country, if only the political will was there and our priorities was right many of our citizens could have lead a dignified life.
However, what is true is that those in power continues to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary Namibians. It is a fact that aspirations for high office in government equal instant richness, while service to the people is relegated to the backdoor. The onus is now upon you to decide whether you want change or you want to continue with the status quo.
Furthermore is it regrettable that while so many young people from impoverished communities don't have money to study further, our ministers’ kids are the recipients of scholarships that should have been given to this kids. For starter President Pohamba himselve as the main proponent of anti-corruption rethoric should have as a matter of principle, foreseen that even if his daughter was awarded this scholarship even merely based on merit, this could have been seen as conflict of interest, but hell no, the rich should and must by all accounts remain rich and the poor by all accounts they much remain poor.
The problem that we have with Namibian political leaders is that no one is prepared to stand up and publicly admit that I might have made a mistake here or there, suffice to say that in this case the Minister of Education should have taken the lead by admitting that there was indeed an oversight here, but hell no, is business as usual and those of you who are stupid enough will give them another mandate for them to further their nests.
It is regrettable that during election time politicians visit you and ask you for your votes promising all kind of goodies, only to forget you once they are comfortably seated in their air conditioned offices. It is time to change that.
