Analysts and political figures have critiqued the performance of President Nangolo Mbumba’s Cabinet, identifying significant failures including worsening poverty, inadequate service delivery, and the liquidation of Air Namibia. Final speeches highlighted claims of progress in economic growth, while opposition leaders voiced concern over the administration’s effectiveness, calling for improvements in governance and targeted reforms in key sectors such as education and employment.
Recent assessments from analysts and political figures suggest that the Cabinet under President Nangolo Mbumba has delivered a lackluster performance. Key failures highlighted include persistent poverty, inadequate service delivery, and the controversial liquidation of Air Namibia. These elements have contributed to a perception of the Cabinet’s effectiveness as subpar, with delineations on four primary issues: youth unemployment, economic fortification, infrastructure improvements, and service delivery.
In his concluding address to the National Assembly, President Mbumba asserted that the Cabinet had engaged in significant decision-making focused on economic growth and poverty reduction. He remarked, “Today, I can proudly state that indeed, this administration has made several steps aimed at addressing inequalities…” However, opposition lawmaker Kalimbo Iipumbu retained a critical stance, arguing that the government’s decisions, especially regarding Air Namibia, reflected poor judgment.
Iipumbu contends that the 2021 liquidation of Air Namibia, which left many citizens unemployed amid economic hardships, would indefinitely mar the current administration’s legacy. He criticized the merger of finance and public enterprises ministries and advocated for thorough examinations to prevent future government failures. Additionally, he highlighted missed opportunities, such as the failure to eliminate the long-standing veterinary cordon fence, suggesting the need for extended governmental mandates for better operational efficacy.
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) provided a rating of 4.25 out of 10 for the government, acknowledging challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic while criticizing neglect in essential sectors like agriculture. LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa remarked on the government’s inadequate support during drought conditions, indicating that significant sectors have not benefited from innovative strategies or effective programs.
Concerns over educational outcomes were emphasized by Simataa, who pointed to alarming secondary school pass rates during Cabinet’s tenure. With only 0-22% of pupils qualifying for further education, he attributed these failures to insufficient communication and support for students.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende expressed skepticism regarding Mbumba’s claims about progress in addressing socio-economic challenges. He underscored the stark reality faced by many Namibians; approximately 1.6 million individuals live in poverty. Tyitende urged future administrations to prioritize tangible economic improvements over empty promises.
Human rights advocate Rosa Namises deemed the current administration’s performance deficient, assigning it a score of four out of ten. She underscored the adverse social conditions impacting youth, including rising crime rates related to drug and alcohol abuse, and criticized the government’s ineffective response to violent incidents.
Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu echoed similar frustrations, attributing a score of four to Cabinet’s economic management and service delivery. Citing crippling unemployment rates near 40% and failing infrastructure, he accentuated ongoing issues in healthcare and housing, culminating in a dire assessment of the government’s capabilities to tackle youth unemployment, for which he awarded a mere two out of ten.
In summary, recent evaluations reveal significant discontent with the performance of the outgoing Cabinet under President Nangolo Mbumba. Critics have cited persistent failures in combatting poverty, insufficient service delivery, and the detrimental effects of Air Namibia’s liquidation. This feedback underscores a widespread call for more effective governance and strategic reforms to address Namibia’s pressing socio-economic challenges moving forward.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
