NEEEF slaughters milk cow, says CCNThe Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) says the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (NEEEF) could undermine the roots of the Namibian economy.
The umbrella body called on President Hage Geingob to instead consider other avenues to bridge the inequality gap and not disturb the progress, peace and stability that have so far been maintained.
“The only voices that we Namibians are hearing on a daily basis are the claiming of rights, political egos and violence. We all need to fight for the common good while observing peace, hard work, respect and dignity for all,” the CCN said, adding that the country should not “throw away” the peace and love that makes the country a shining example in Africa.
NEEEF is a policy framework already adopted by Cabinet aimed at correcting economic inequalities created by past discriminatory laws and practices. It is the forerunner of the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Bill, which is meant to give the government the authority to put NEEEF’s policies into place. CCN, one of a handful of civil society organisations to comment on the policy so far, said the new empowerment framework and proposed law in the long run could deprive many people of their rights to take charge and maintain their hard-earned property.
“NEEEF has the potential of ‘slaughtering the cow’ that provides milk and other food just to have meat that is a one-off to enjoy. What will happen next?” the church federation questioned. It concluded that NEEEF would not help those already living in poverty, saying that it would instead benefit the middle class and those in charge of the administration of the proposed law. “Many people who are providing this country with needed resources will sell businesses or migrate to other countries,” it warned and said the private sector would not be eager to take in unskilled labour.
CATHERINE SASMAN