National consultation process (Part 2)

BENNIE BOBEJé WRITES:

Dear Chairperson and Members of the Standing Committee

Subject: Public submission on the relevance, practical application and possible review of the Namibian Constitution

4. National Reconciliation, Resolution 435, and Veterans Recognition

I am of the opinion that there remains an imbalance in the recognition of veterans and historical experiences connected to Namibia’s conflict period and transition to independence.

Former members of the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF/SWAGM) and related structures are systematically excluded from recognition, support, historical acknowledgement and benefits, which is contrary to the spirit of national reconciliation and Resolution 435.

I therefore propose that consideration be given to the establishment of a formal Truth and Reconciliation Commission; a broader and more inclusive national reconciliation framework; and fair, non-discriminatory recognition of all persons affected by the conflict period.

Legislation must be amended to equally recognise SWATF soldiers as veterans and restore their human dignity within the national history. 

I believe that sustainable reconciliation and true unity can only be achieved when all historical experiences are treated with openness, integrity, fairness, dignity, and humanity.

5. Land Reform, Natural Resources, and Economic Justice

In my view, Indigenous and historically dispossessed communities should receive greater benefit from land reform, natural resources, and economic development.

I therefore propose that policy and legislation should consider greater participation of Indigenous communities in resettlement and land reform processes; equitable benefit-sharing from natural resources; stronger community development mechanisms in areas where resources are extracted; and sustainable economic empowerment of Indigenous communities.

This may include sectors such as mining, fisheries, oil and gas, tourism, and the use of Indigenous cultural, environmental, spiritual, and traditional heritage.

Consideration may also be given to community royalty systems, community trust funds and other lawful mechanisms through which Indigenous communities may share in economic benefits derived from resources connected to their ancestral areas.

The Constitution must provide for annual royalties and free shares to indigenous communities from the exploitation of natural resources (mines, fishing, oil, gas, tourism, indigenous fauna and flora, etcetera) on their ancestral lands. A constitutional mandate must be instituted for the collection of compensation from entities and countries that have historically benefited and currently still benefit from the deprivation of indigenous resources, including Namibia.

CONCLUSION

I sincerely thank the Standing Committee for providing the Namibian public with the opportunity to participate in this important democratic and constitutional process.

It is my hope that any future constitutional review process will contribute toward stronger national unity, genuine inclusivity, the protection of all communities including the Indigenous Khoisan of Namibia, economic justice, meaningful reconciliation, and the strengthening of human dignity for all Namibians.

I trust that these submissions will be considered in the spirit of nation-building, constitutional democracy, peace, and justice.

– End

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