| Walvis Bay became the stage once more to mark the beginning of a new era in Namibia's political development. In March 1994 the South African flag was lowered amidst the deafening cheer of the crowds and the Namibian flag raised to mark re-integration. On 21 March 2005 a nation listened attentively and in silence as Namibia's second democratically elected President, Hifikepunye Pohamba's very first address as Head of State came over the news wires. On Sunday, perhaps off-beat with the reigning political wind direction, former hard liner Swapo members' voices echoed the stadium - also for those to hear standing in the streets nearby: “I am not a Swapo any more”. “The Rally for Democracy and Progress is ready to take over the administration of Walvis Bay and ready to take over the administration of the Erongo Regional Council”. These were the voices of former Swapo activist Festus Naholo and the interim President and most likely candidate for RDP Presidency in 2008, Mr. Hidipo Hamutenya. They were addressing a crowd of people counting very close to 2 000 souls.
The RDP Rally held on Sunday marks the second public gathering since the political party was registered today approximately 24 days ago. Mr. Hidipo Hamutenya said on Sunday that during the first 22 days of the RDP's foundation the party received thousands of members and ever since the administrative channels and other resources had been deployed to the full to accommodate the “draws” of people wanting to become party members.
“The fact that so many embraces this new party is testimony of the time, the event and the moment that had arrived for this country”, Mr. Hamutenya said. Adding the events of the past few weeks inevitably shows that the RDP has come to stay.
Mr. Hamutenya devoted much of his time addressing the crowd distinguishing between “guided democracy” as he says the Swapo Government governed this country since 1990. The RDP wants to bring the concept of “participative” democracy, including every Namibian. That also includes those whom had been ostracised from making a meaningful contribution.
“We intend to bring participative democracy to the centre of the RDP's political process in this country and that include the freedom of expression, opinion and assembly. We reject any form of autocracy”, Mr. Hamutenya proclaimed.
Perhaps at this point it is important to note that his address to the crowd pronged into several issues. It is outlined below:
•The Right to form a party and Intimidation: Mr. Hamutenya assured all those present that the RDP was founded in terms of the laws of this land, despite many political opponents who advocate to the contrary. He invited Namibians to become part of this new democratic process and said any person whom is either intimidated or threatened because of their new party affiliations should simply report the matter to the police. “It is a criminal offence to intimidate or provoke a person because of his political affiliation. You must refrain from involving yourself in such actions but also ensure that you do not become victim of such actions”.
Mr. Hamutenya explained the Namibian Police are at the disposal of the public whom are intimidated and threatened.
•Media Freedom: Mr. Hamutenya said the RDP rejects a Resolution taken by the Swapo Party at its recent Congress to curb media freedom. “It is a shame that in the 21st Century to hear that a political party such as Swapo clamping down on media freedom. Mr. Hamutenya described Swapo's Resolution as “reactionary” and said this is one more example of guided democracy what is unconstitutional all together.
•Education: Mr. Hamutenya pointed out that despite seventeen years of rule, Namibia's education system grossly fails to inject qualified, trained and skilled Namibians into the economy. Aggravating the problem is the fact that Namibia can also not produce properly qualified teachers.
“Education will be our top priority and expect a total revamp and restructuring of our education system”, Mr. Hamutenya pointed out stating Namibia's economic development is directly linked to an efficient and effective educational system. It is also responsible for the high unemployment rate what is standing at between 37 % and 40 % according to the RDP.
•Namibia and the EU: Mr. Hamutenya described Namibia's failure to initiate the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as an opportunity lost to expand economic partnership with Europe and to broaden the scope of trade. Mr. Hamutenya pointed out that 90 % of Namibia's fish production is exported to the European Union and failing to ratify such an agreement could result in a dilemma. On the fact that meat export's future with the EU is in the balance, Mr. Hamutenya explained that Namibia's balance of trade could be severely influenced. “We do not manufacture medicine. Everything we need to stock and equip essential services like our country's hospitals are imported with the money the country earns with beef exports”. The same goes for Namibia's table grapes what create export earnings what in turn can be balanced with imports. “We cannot afford to cut ourselves off from our trade partners”, he warned.
Adding the problem lies at leadership. Leadership fails the country and this is counter-productive to raising the living standard of all Namibians.
Elections: Mr. Hamutenya confirmed that the RDP should be taking part in the 2009 elections. In the meantime it will also part-take in any by-elections or elections in the event of new towns and Municipalities.
“We will continue to exert pressure but we will also continue to capture power”, he said explaining this is what the multi-party democracy should be doing.
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