The outgoing Cabinet under President Mbumba is criticized for poor performance, particularly in economic management, service delivery, and handling of Air Namibia’s liquidation. Analysts provide low ratings on key issues, highlighting persistent poverty, high youth unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. Mbumba defends his Cabinet’s actions as progressive, but critics stress the need for genuine reforms and investigations into systemic failures.
The outgoing Cabinet led by President Nangolo Mbumba has been criticized by analysts and politicians for its subpar performance. The main failures highlighted include persistent poverty, inadequate service delivery, and the liquidation of Air Namibia. These issues have formed the basis of subjective rankings provided by various stakeholders, focusing on key areas such as youth unemployment, economic stability, infrastructure, and service delivery efficiency.
In his final address to the National Assembly, Mbumba defended the Cabinet’s legacy, asserting that significant steps were taken towards enhancing economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty. He emphasized initiatives aimed at promoting equality and inclusion for historically disadvantaged populations, stating, “Today, I can proudly state that indeed, this administration has made several steps aimed at addressing inequalities.”
Critics, including Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters lawmaker Kalimbo Iipumbu, highlighted the lasting impact of Air Namibia’s liquidation in 2021, which resulted in approximately 600 job losses amidst a lackluster economic environment. Iipumbu called for a thorough investigation into the airline’s challenges prior to merging financial ministries, asserting that losing Air Namibia was a significant national loss.
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) assigned a score of 4.25 out of 10 to the government, considering the tumultuous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa criticized the government’s neglect in supporting agriculture during drought scenarios, emphasizing a failure to advocate innovation in these sectors. He noted that although projects like green hydrogen were initiated, they remain in their infancy without substantial economic contribution.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende expressed skepticism regarding Mbumba’s optimistic claims, questioning the reality of poverty affecting 1.6 million Namibians and inadequate educational outcomes contributing to high unemployment. “Swapo has mastered the art of language and promises, but that will never be a substitute for genuine economic emancipation,” Tyitende stated.
Human rights activist Rosa Namises judged the current administration to be equally deficient, scoring it a four out of ten. She raised alarms regarding youth suffering due to rising unemployment and social ills, including substance abuse and violence, which she contends have proliferated under current governance. “Namibian women and our men are really in trouble,” she warned.
Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu assigned a four out of ten rating for the government’s economic strengthening efforts, pointing to unfulfilled growth rates alongside a staggering unemployment rate nearing 40%. He highlighted deteriorating infrastructure, notably the railroads, and systemic failures in housing and healthcare delivery, stating that a significant backlog along with informal settlements necessitate urgent attention.
In summary, the outgoing Cabinet led by President Mbumba has faced heavy criticism regarding its performance, particularly concerning economic management and service delivery. Analysts and politicians emphasize the hardships related to poverty, youth unemployment, and infrastructural decay. The liquidation of Air Namibia has further marred the Cabinet’s legacy, prompting calls for deeper investigations and reforms. Overall, the administration’s record is seen as inadequate in addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges facing Namibia.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
