Africa-Press – Namibia. I thank you all for being here this morning for the final Cabinet meeting of the Year 2021. To say that this year has been a difficult year would be an understatement. We have faced an unprecedented level of challenges due to the devastation caused by Covid-19. However, despite these difficulties, our optimism remains high, for as we bring this year to a close, we look forward to a new dawn which brings with it immense hope and possibility. In the book, The resilience inventory: Seven essential skills for overcoming life’s obstacles and determining happiness, authors Rachel Jackson and Chris Watkin state that “resilience is fundamentally underpinned by the concept that it is not so much the hard times we face that determine our success or failure as the way in which we respond to those hard times.”
Although we have faced hard times in this Year of Resilience, the way we have responded not only gives us the confidence of future success, but also demonstrates that after 31 years of independence, Namibia has established a mature democracy, defined by a robust governance architecture which is buttressed by stable processes, systems and institutions. In the face of untold losses, our Government has stood strong and Cabinet has responded to multiple crises with swiftness, resolve and purpose. In the midst of immense human loss, we have provided the nation with the reassurance of direction, order and security. In the eye of the storm, we have steered the ship towards calmer waters.
Through your swift and decisive action, our nation has been able to avert a potential humanitarian disaster. At this juncture, I wish to thank you and the frontline soldiers who have courageously held the frontline in our war against Covid-19. Specifically, I wish to commend Healthcare Workers, First Responders, Members of our Namibian Defence Force, Law-Enforcement Agencies and public officials, who since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic have risked their lives daily on the frontlines.
Although all of us have been touched by Covid-19, either directly or indirectly, I am pleased to say that the work of Cabinet has not suffered. Where we have had to stand in for one another, we have done so in admirable fashion. Where we have had to innovate and adopt technological means for decision-making, we have done so effectively. Indeed, during this war against the coronavirus, the spirit of Harambee has come to the fore and carried us through the storm.
Despite our best efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, the threat of a fourth wave looms large. The detection of the Omicron variant in Namibia places us in danger of returning to more stringent measures, if we do not, as a nation, collectively take the necessary steps to avoid a rapid spread. At this juncture, I wish to repeat my clarion call made during the 37th Covid-19 briefing, which took place last Monday.
We shall not defeat this deadly virus if we don’t take individual responsibility in this fight but in favour of the common good. Covid-19 is transmitted by human beings, and the pandemic is killing largely those who are unvaccinated people.
Those of you who are not vaccinated are undermining the efforts of government in defeating this deadly virus. Those of you among us who are not vaccinated are reversing the gains we have made in the fight against Covid-19. Those among us who are not respecting the health protocols in place and refusing to wear masks and practice social distancing are reversing the gains we have made in our fight against Covid-19. If we are truly committed to defeating this enemy and returning towards focusing our efforts on nation-building and economic development, then we must all be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure victory. Government, through Cabinet, has provided the means for recovery, so let us meet each other halfway.
Our collective responsibility to spearhead the fight against poverty, corruption and income inequality cannot take a backseat due to Covid-19. We have a constitutional mandate to fulfil as the body responsible for the final determination of policy and for directing, coordinating and supervising the activities of the respective Offices/Ministries/Agencies.
At this critical stage, we are cognisant that many Namibians have had their livelihoods plunged into disarray. Therefore, as we go into the New Year, our ultimate priority should be to achieve a swift and robust rate of implementation of Cabinet decisions as a means to aid economic recovery. However, we must also note that economic recovery will not be possible if we don’t hold hands and pull in the same direction, as a nation. For instance, government can only do so much – but if we, as Namibians, do not achieve the desired vaccination rate to secure herd immunity, our recovery efforts will be jeopardised.
Namibia is part of the global village, and if we fall behind due to failure to vaccinate, we will remain a risk to ourselves and others. In terms of stimulating economic growth, we require targeted policy interventions, which will kick-start economic growth and allow us to create much-needed jobs, especially amongst our youth. Despite limited fiscal space, we will need to be creative and innovative to provide a soft landing for those who have been hit the hardest financially.
I am pleased to note that during the course of the year, we have taken a number of decisive actions aimed at reinvigorating our economic growth and resilience, augmenting food security as well as cutting government expenditure. These decisions include: The launch of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, with its attendant Economic Recovery Plan.
The issuance of the Request for Proposals for the Southern Development Corridor Initiative, which includes the development of two strategic sites for the development of the Green Hydrogen and Ammonia, as well as the award of the tender to the successful bidder, Hydrogen Green Energy, in November during COP26.
The development and approval of the Sovereign Wealth Fund and funding framework. The listing of MTC on the Namibian Stock Exchange. The introduction of an Auction System for Government Objectives Fish Quota, which raised more money for government than the previous system.
The appointment of two Task Forces under HPPII to look into Namibia’s readiness for the fourth industrial revolution, and the legislative framework with a view to introducing business rescue as an alternative to liquidation.
The revision and approval of the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy, which will enhance sustained food and nutrition security at household levels.
The termination of the Air Namibia Airbus A330 Lease agreement in order to reduce public debt and State subsidies to loss-making State-owned enterprises.
I have the utmost confidence that as you have done this year, going forward, you will display the responsibility, drive and initiative to make sure that the pulse of our economy beats with strength and consistency once more. With a commitment to teamwork and unity, we can push ahead towards a brighter horizon, where we will be able to restore economic confidence and emerge as a more resilient nation.
Therefore, as we prepare to enter the festive season, let us endeavour, as Cabinet, to continue spearheading efforts aimed at safeguarding the lives of the Namibian people while remaining committed towards the realisation of our national developmental objectives.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all of you for the efforts you have made to ensure that Namibia surmounts the challenges faced during the Year 2021. Let us look forward to the New Year with renewed hope and optimism. I wish all of you and your families safe travels during the festive season. Take time to recharge because next year the hard work must continue. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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