Critics have labeled the performance of President Nangolo Mbumba’s outgoing Cabinet as below average, citing failures such as rising poverty levels, ineffective service delivery, and the liquidation of Air Namibia. Analysts and opposition members expressed concerns regarding youth unemployment and the overall management of key sectors, resulting in a low score for the administration’s achievements.
The performance of President Nangolo Mbumba’s outgoing Cabinet has been critiqued by politicians and analysts as subpar, citing high poverty levels, insufficient service delivery, and the liquidation of Air Namibia as major failures. Their assessments focused on four critical issues: youth unemployment, economic strengthening, infrastructure development, and service delivery improvements.
In his final address to the National Assembly, President Mbumba defended his Cabinet’s actions, asserting that significant decisions were made to promote economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation for all citizens. Mbumba stated, “Today, I can proudly state that indeed, this administration has made several steps aimed at addressing inequalities.”
However, criticism arose from lawmakers such as Kalimbo Iipumbu of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, who highlighted the long-lasting negative impact of Air Namibia’s liquidation on the administration’s legacy, resulting in approximately 600 job losses. Iipumbu criticized the merger of the finance and public enterprises ministries, suggesting that deeper investigation into Air Namibia’s challenges was necessary before such a decision was made.
The Landless People’s Movement assigned a score of 4.25 out of 10 to the government, noting the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. They emphasized the administration’s neglect of agriculture and related sectors. Lifalaza Simataa from LPM stated that the government’s failure to support agriculture during adverse conditions had caused stagnation.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende expressed skepticism regarding Mbumba’s claims, questioning the relevance of reported progress given the stark realities faced by many Namibians living in poverty. Tyitende criticized the ruling party for using rhetoric without addressing the actual socio-economic conditions of citizens.
Rosa Namises, a human rights activist, rated the current administration a four out of ten and highlighted increased youth suffering marked by rising suicide rates and substance abuse. Namises criticized the state’s inaction regarding violence and the lack of accountability in police actions.
Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu rated the Cabinet similarly low, citing an unemployment rate near 40% and ineffective management of infrastructure and public services. He remarked that infrastructure, healthcare, and education delivery suffered from severe inadequacies, reflected in long waits and lack of resources. He also criticized the government’s approach to youth unemployment, scoring it an alarming two out of ten, indicating a lack of serious measures to resolve the issue.
The assessment of President Mbumba’s outgoing Cabinet has revealed considerable dissatisfaction among analysts and opposition members. Major failures in addressing poverty, service delivery, and youth unemployment were highlighted, alongside the deleterious effects of Air Namibia’s liquidation. While the administration advocated for its achievements in economic development and equity, critics underscored a persistent disconnect between political rhetoric and the lived realities of many Namibians. The need for future administrations to prioritize tangible improvements and accountability remains clear.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
