Namibia's Land Bill: A Call for Transparency and Justice
A Nation's Future at Stake
The recent introduction of Namibia's new land bill has sparked a critical debate, one that could shape the country's future. But here's the catch: it's moving forward without a crucial step - a comprehensive land audit.
A Monumental Shift
This bill is a bold move, repealing the entire Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act of 1995. It's like erasing two decades of legal history with a single stroke. Yet, parliament seems eager to push through this radical change without first understanding why the old system didn't work.
Critical Questions Left Unanswered
The bill's key enforcement mechanism, Article 110 ('Beneficial Use'), demands immediate productivity on allocated land. But how can this be fairly implemented without addressing some fundamental questions?
- Scope of Failure: How many farms were bought, how many farmers resettled, and most importantly, how many resettlement farms are now abandoned? (Previous efforts left 30 farms, or 225,000 hectares, unutilized in the //Kharas region alone. What's the national picture?)
- Economic Viability: Are we resettling too many people on a single piece of land, making farming unprofitable?
- Equity and Allocation: What's the ethnic breakdown of resettlement farmers by region? How many farms go to locals versus Namibians from other areas?
- Integration Success: How many resettled farmers have successfully transitioned into commercial agriculture?
Policy Risks and Internal Injustices
The lack of historical data amplifies the bill's potential pitfalls. Without this information, the promise of 'equality' could lead to policies that merely shift idleness or favor specific groups. Especially concerning is the bill's strengthening of communal rights for the rural majority, which could further exacerbate these issues.
Additionally, the bill's contradictory nature is evident. It bans foreign nationals from acquiring commercial land, cutting off a potential source of capital, while ignoring the core issue of productivity failure among local beneficiaries. We must address internal biases and land idleness before focusing on external restrictions.
Unclear Incentives
The bill's incentive structure is also questionable. It offers compensation for improvements, but without a clear definition or measurement of 'success', this clause seems hollow.
The Need for Accountability
The time to demand historical data is now, before this new law is passed. The parliamentary committee must use its powers to obtain the resettlement farm register and productivity data immediately. This information should be made public to ensure an informed debate.
Restorative justice isn't just about acquiring land; it's about ensuring accountability and justice. Voters deserve to know the truth about the balance between justice and hard work.
In light of recent scandals like Fuelrot, Fishrot, and the SME Bank collapse, the government's credibility is on the line. An impartial, independent land audit is the only way to restore trust and ensure a fair and just land reform process.
Frederick Kotze, a concerned Namibian citizen, believes in a fair and prosperous future for all.
