Here we stand. Reflecting on 500 years of Reformation in Namibia, by Henning Melber et al.

Here we stand. Reflecting on 500 years of Reformation in Namibia, by Henning Melber et al. United Church Council, Namibia Evangelical Lutheran Churches (UCC-NELC). Windhoek, Namibia 2017. ISBN 9789994585182 / ISBN 978-99945-85-18-2

From Here we stand: Reflecting on 500 years of Reformation in Namibia, the following excerpt frow Henning Melber mirrors the economic situation in Namibia from a contemporary Lutheran view.

Henning Melber  

Introduction

More than a generation into Namibian Independence in 1990, Namibia's society still bears the marks of inequality anchored in the previous structures of a settler-colonial society. Over a century of minority rule has left a challenging legacy not yet overcome. The transfer of political power within a negotiated transition to Independence handed governance to the leadership of the former liberation movement SWAPO. But the wealth of the country continues to be shared only among few. The exploitation of the natural resources still serves mainly a minority at home and abroad. Since Independence, the composition of the'haves' has slightly changed and reflects new realities. A black elite has joined the white elite. But from the perspective of the'have-nots', the new social contract limits their aspirations and desires for human dignity. Liberation was mainly confined to political and civic rights in a constitutional democracy. While this has been a tremendous achievement, for which the colonised in their struggle for emancipation had to pay a high price, political equality did not translate into social and economic equality. Without better living conditions for the marginalized, the limits to liberation are a painful and sobering daily experience (see Melber 2014/ 2015). From a view guided by Christian values, inspired by the notion of solidarity and social justice, much remains to be done. Empowerment requires more than formal political and civil rights. Equality before the law remains hollow if, due to their misery and destitution, people are not equipped with the means to practice and claim the rights formally entitled to. Namibia remains a rich country with poor people, who are denied to play an active part as responsible citizens. Equality and human dignity must be based on a minimum material wellbeing, securing a decent living as sound foundation for a prosperous community. Trust and shared values (as much as shared wealth) are integral parts of a meaningful social contract, which provides stability, generates common interests and visions as well as perspectives also for future generations. In Namibia, such a social, inter-generational contract is unfortunately still a remote dream.

Namibia's economic development

Since Independence reconciliation and the emergence of a new elite have been contributing factorstoa largely peaceful but highly vulnerableand fragile society. Poverty and destitution continued for many among those, who had expected that life would become better in a sovereign state governed by their own, democratically elected people. Through elections supervised by the United Nations in November 1989 a negotiated transition allowed SWAPO to be the legitimate government ever so far since 21 March 1990. However, a fundamental transformation of the country's socio-economic disparities was not part of the transitional process. Reconciliation was misunderstood as a perpetuation of the status quo in terms of the economic system. A generation into Independence, redistribution of wealth remained largely limited to beneficiaries within a new black elite. Its members are mainly political and administrative office bearers and party stalwarts as well as individuals with close ties to the new inner circles of governance. They thrive through a policy of so-called affirmative action and black economic empowerment. The beneficiaries of such a policy are limited in number, but have accumulated at times exceptional wealth. A new terminology since Independence refers to 'fat cats', 'tenderpreneurs' and 'sight holders'. [...]

This is an excerpt from Here we stand. Reflecting on 500 years of Reformation in Namibia, by Henning Melber et al.

Title: Here we stand
Subtitle: Reflecting on 500 years of Reformation in Namibia
Editors: Ngeno Nakamhela; Emma N. Nangolo; Paulus Ndamanomhata; Martin Nelumbu; Rudolf Schmid; Tomas Shivute; Erika von Wietersheim; Sylvia Schlettwein; Gerhard Tötemeyer; Henning Tötemeyer
Publisher: United Church Council, Namibia Evangelical Lutheran Churches (UCC-NELC)
Windhoek, Namibia 2017
ISBN 9789994585182 / ISBN 978-99945-85-18-2
Softcover, 17 x 23 cm, 142 pages, several b/w and colour photos