Africa-Press – Namibia. Former deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy Natangwe Ithete has urged Namibians to stand firm in demanding a minimum of 51% local ownership in all mining operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday as part of his festive season message, Ithete said Namibia’s natural resources must be vested in Namibians and used to drive local beneficiation, industrialisation and value addition.
“We must stand firm in our demand of a minimum of 51% ownership of all mines, with natural resources vested in Namibians, and diligently advocate for local beneficiation, industrialisation and value addition to take place on Namibian soil,” he said.
Ithete argued that greater local ownership is key to meaningful economic growth, skills transfer and the creation of sustainable employment, particularly for women and the country’s rapidly growing youth population.
“Only then can Namibians grow the economy meaningfully, transfer skills and create sustainable employment,” he said.
He described access to and control over natural resources as a right rather than a privilege.
“These are not privileges. They are our birthright. Namibia is our God-given land, and we must never compromise on it,” Ithete said.
The former deputy prime minister also called on Namibians to rally behind president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and support the vision of her eighth administration.
“This is a clear message, it shall not be business as usual. As the president has powerfully declared, ‘We are too few to be poor,’” he said.
In his broader festive season message, Ithete expressed gratitude to the president and the Swapo Party for the trust placed in him during his tenure as the sixth deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy, describing the appointment as a rare privilege and a solemn duty.
He said as a member of parliament his commitment to the economic upliftment of Namibians remains “unwavering and unbreakable”, pledging to continue advocating for inclusive growth, social justice and shared prosperity.
“As we celebrate this festive season, let us do so responsibly, reflect, recharge and prepare for the year ahead with renewed focus and determination,” he said.
He called for national unity, “mental decolonisation” and a collective commitment to building a prosperous, just and sovereign Namibia.
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