IMELDA AMBONDO
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia’s resources must benefit all Namibians, not a few.
She was speaking at the opening of the eight parliament on Tuesday.
“The wealth generated in this country should benefit many of our people, not just a few. As Parliament continues to pass legislation, it must ensure that Namibia’s natural resources are used responsibly and sustainably,” Nandi-Ndaitwah told parliamentarians.
She added that value addition should be one of the core principles to stimulate and grow our economy.
“It should be our future strategic goal to gradually stop extracting our resources without local beneficiation. Last year, the government called on the public to
propose amendments to any of our laws in order to address the needs of our people holistically. Some of the critical proposed amendments from the public include those that will ensure meaningful national benefit from our resources,” Nandi Ndaitwah said.
The President said Namibia continues to prioritise agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy, where young people leverage technological advancements to create jobs for themselves.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also urged Members of Parliament to prioritise law-making over political grandstanding, warning that Namibians expect results, not delays.
She reminded MPs that Article 44 of the Constitution gives Parliament the authority “to enact, amend and repeal laws.
“The wealth generated in this country should benefit many of our people, not just a few. Namibia must move towards value addition and gradually stop extracting our resources without local beneficiation”she said.
She cautioned MPs against prioritising political theatrics, stating: “Some parliamentarians may be attempting to score political points through debates,” but said that citizens want lawmakers “performing their fundamental constitutional duties of making laws.”
Calling for unity, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said, “While we may hold diverse political views… we should be united by a common goal; the prosperity and well-being of the Namibian people.” She urged MPs “to rise above partisanship, to conduct yourselves with dignity, and to restore public confidence in this institution.”
She declared the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament officially open, expressing hope that it would be remembered for “constructive engagement, principled leadership, and timely as well as tangible outcomes that improve the quality of life for our people.”
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