Namibians share expectations ahead of Sona

(Contributed Photo)

By: Envaalde Matheus

Namibians anticipate that the State Of National Address (Sona) will focus on economic reforms and infrastructure development for agriculture and job creation.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver the Sona tomorrow.

News on One took to the streets and the corridors of power to hear what Namibians expect from this year’s speech.

Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu said the country is expecting new norms from the head of state.

“We are really expecting that she comes out very clear, particularly on issues of corruption. She must stress it further, not just hearsay that later goes unaddressed,” said Iipumbu.

Social and economic justice activist Nafimane Hamukoshi said the speech should provide clarity on the kinds of jobs the government intends to create.

“We need to talk more than just about youth employment. We need to understand what kinds of jobs will be created and whether they align with sectors that drive meaningful change and sustainability,” she said.

She added that the address must reflect issues that have been raised during recent protests.

“I also want to hear about issues people have been advocating for, like the implementation of a universal basic income grant.”

Body of Christ Party (BCP) leader Festus Thomas said the address must highlight long-standing national challenges.

“Unemployment is so high. It must also touch on land, as we’re nearly 35 years into independence and many people are still without accommodation or land. The SONA should also address issues in health, hospitals, and education,” Thomas said.

Entrepreneur Terry Ujamba called for more support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and clarity on new industries.

“We want to see what modalities are in place to help SMEs access financing and grow. SMEs are the backbone of the economy. Are there incentives to help them move forward?” he asked.

Ujamba also raised questions about the mining industry.

“With mining now placed under national oversight, we want to understand the plans and incentives for how this industry will benefit the nation.”

National Democratic Party (NDP) president Martin Lukato raised concerns about the long-promised increase in the old age social grant.

“She must respond to the promise to increase senior citizen grants to N$3,000. During her inauguration, she backtracked, saying the increase must wait due to youth development,” said Lukato.

Farmer Dobson Kwala said the nation expects progress updates on development plans.

“We expect the endorsement of the existing National Development Plan and an update on how much has been collected in outstanding revenues from last year’s budget,” he said.

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) lawmaker Eneas Emvula echoed Lukato’s concerns on social grants.

“What is the reason for failing to raise the pension money to N$3,000? And what about the promised 55,000 jobs? How is that going to be delivered?”

Emvula also questioned the sustainability of mining sector employment and the country’s debt burden.

“How are we going to sustain employment in mining, where retrenchments are looming? And how will the country recover from external and domestic debt, which now stands at 62% of GDP?”

The post Namibians share expectations ahead of Sona first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Namibians share expectations ahead of Sona appeared first on Future Media News.