Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Minister Utoni Nujoma suggests that closing the country’s borders to avoid overreliance on imports could translate to more local production and creating more jobs for locals to reduce the high unemployment rate in the country.
Nujoma is of the view that the grim reality of overreliance on imports negatively weighs on the implementation of policies and recommendations, such as that of investing in manufacturing which can create employment and reduce the skyrocketing figures of youth unemployment.
“After independence, we had created a manufacturing factory [Ramatex] which employed thousands of people, everyone was making money across the board, and however, it failed. Therefore, I have a big problem with us as a nation of not implementing policies, which is why borders should be closed so that we are left with the policies to enforce and empower ourselves. Simple uniforms we are importing, what is that?” Nujoma recently told the development of the third National Employment Policy.
Following presentations from researchers, Nujoma put it up to them to provide practical and workable recommendations that ought to be implemented, instead of rhetoric.
Labour Relations and Research Institution consultant Dr Michael Akuupa, however, said researchers had made numerous suggestions which ended up gathering dust either in Cabinet or in the technocrats’ offices, defeating their purpose.
“We have done so much, but it always turns out that such policies do get implemented, and either get stuck in parliament or offices. So, I don’t know if it is a lack of resources or there is no political will,” said Akuupa.
Akuupa called for concerted efforts from all parties involved when it comes to reviewing and eventually implementing policy reforms.
“Because that is the only way the nation can grow economically and create employment. Political and other stakeholders’ conversations should resonate with tackling issues on the ground, this way it will be able to achieve the desired goals. Further, we should also empower key ministries that have the power to source and distribute resources, because these are critical as they do not just generate by providing to others to make a meaningful impact,” Akuupa said while conceding to the Minister’s sentiments of deploying a hands-on approach.
Namibia’s youth employment rate stands at 46% according to the 2018 Labour Force Survey.
