Geingob slams NEEEF critics

Geingob slams NEEEF criticsPresident says detractors want to maintain status quo The head of state says those criticising the proposed new empowerment legislation have no alternative ideas and simply want to remain at the pinnacle of the economy alone. OGONE TLHAGE







WINDHOEK

President Hage Geingob has questioned why there is resistance to the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework (NEEEF). The bill forms part of the recently-launched second phase of the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP II), and is currently in its final rounds of consultation.

“I just want to ask our public out there whether this country is having the greatest inequality, one of the greatest inequalities in the world? Those who are questioning NEEEF, do we have a crisis of inequality?” Geingob asked.

“Even those from the World Bank, like [economist Joseph] Stiglitz, say a society that is unequal can never survive,” he added.

According to Geingob, while there was resistance towards the NEEEF, no suggestions were forthcoming from those opposing it.

“Why are people fighting against NEEEF? Why don’t you give us an alternative?” he asked.

Education as a solution

The president also criticised those who promote education as a solution to address inequality.

“They say education; there were 100 years of apartheid education, did it help? Education itself cannot solve the problem. You must take action, you must empower the people,” he said.

Geingob also dismissed criticism that the NEEEF was creating uncertainty.

“Now they are saying it is creating uncertainty; to whom? Did the business people say that or investors?” he questioned.

The head of state cautioned that inequality could lead to investors losing out on their investments.

Presidential advisor Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi added that it was about time the bill was tabled into law.

Inclusivity

Touching on HPP II, which concludes in 2025, Geingob said it was time to build an inclusive society.

According to him, the plan had been designed after wide consultation had been sought.

“The HPP II is a product of intensive countrywide consultations with diverse constituencies of our country,” he said.

He added that it was necessary to work together.

“Now is the time to hold hands and build an economy that is inclusive and where growth is shared. Together, we should continue with the work of building a society in which all Namibians pull together to fight against poverty, corruption, inequality, gender-based violence and other social ills,” Geingob said.

Harambee II launched

Geingob made the remarks yesterday during the launch of HPP II, which highlights government's action plan towards economic recovery and inclusive growth between 2021 and 2025.

He said the plan retains the five core pillars of effective governance, economic advancement, social progression, infrastructure development and international relations and cooperation.

“HPP II presents an opportunity to build on the legacy of the past three decades and guarantee a more secure future through resilient processes, systems and institutions,” he said, adding that the plan is premised on effective governance as an enabler of socio-economic development.

The president noted that based on lessons learnt from the implementation of the first HPP, they have identified - through the pillars - the need for improved focus and coordination, deeper collaboration and partnerships, and a collective sense of urgency to deliver on desired outcomes.

“One such key lesson is the need to establish a performance delivery unit to improve execution, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting on all deliverables during HPP II. This will ensure that set goals and objectives are indeed met and that the reporting stays closely aligned to outcomes that impact in a tangible way the lives of citizens.”

The president further highlighted that economic advancement is a prerequisite for poverty eradication and, in that vein, the plan contains a blend of new opportunities, propelling the country closer towards its goal of becoming an industrialised nation.



Additional reporting by Nampa