FOREWORD

Almost 20 years after the achievement of independence, Namibia is still grappling with the process of nation building, which primarily involves the consolidation of democratic values and institutions. That is, two decades down the road, the country’s leaders have not been able to firmly set the nation on a steady course towards democracy, socio-economic development and national integration.

Democratic institutions, such as the parliament, Constitution etc., that were established at independence to guarantee the Namibian people’s fundamental freedoms and human rights, promote multiparty governance and foster the values of political tolerance, are yet to find firm roots in our society.

Namibia has only managed, over the last 18 years to adopt the form, but not the substantive content of democracy. This is to say that, under the dominant party rule, the country’s political system has not been able to mobilize and absorb the necessary levels of political participation in the process of governing the country.

It is the failure to advance which occasioned the formation of the RDP in 2007. The formation of this Party, no doubt added a new and significant political dimension to the nation’s political process. It has aroused the interest of the masses of our people in political activity.

The RDP is committed to the widening of Namibia’s political space by strengthening the country’s multiparty democracy, allowing different political ideas and programmes to be given free reign to contend. Hence, this new party presents an alternative programme, aimed at galvanizing the nation and uplifting the country’s socio-economic, spiritual and intellectual wellbeing. In other words, the Manifesto constitutes the RDP’s public declaration of policy and aims on the basis of which the Party seeks to be voted to the decision-making position of authority within the Namibian state.

Indeed, the Manifesto, which I have the honour to submit to the Namibian people, is a solemn pledge of what the RDP will do if it is accorded the mandate in the forthcoming general and presidential elections to administer the affairs of this country.   

The Manifesto prioritizes areas of immediate focus upon the Party’s coming to power. These are: health care, job creation, education and training, housing, infrastructural development, economic development, pruning of the bloated government, youth and sports development, support to traditional authorities, the role of faith-based institutions in development and women’s empowerment.

Unlike those who have lost vision and are groping in the dark, the RDP has a clear vision, a vision for Namibia’s bright, democratic and prosperous future. And we promise, here and now, to end the policy of job reservation “for comrades”, which is a step backward to the apartheid era. It is therefore, anathema to the RDP. We will bury the system that allows the majority of job-seeking Namibian youth to fail at school and consequently be unemployed.

It is time for change!!  

Under the RDP led-government, all Namibians will be treated equally regardless of their political affiliations. Nobody shall be disadvantaged because of his or her political belief. We shall be truly inclusive for the good of our country, democracy and progress.

To Namibia’s young generation, especially the born free compatriots, we make a sacred vow to ensure that the RDP is your preferred political home, where your ideas and involvement will be respected, welcomed and valued.

The decision to move this country from the current state of socio-economic stagnation, imbalances and inequalities to one with bright prospects for all of our citizens is in your hands!

This is the reason why I call upon each and every one of you to vote for the Rally for Democracy and Progress because you deserve better!
Use this coming opportunity to vote for change!

Together, we can do better!!!
Till we meet at the ballot box.

Hidipo Hamutenya
President

Download the comple Manifesto as PDF file here (4.8 MB).