Swakopmund: United Democratic Front (UDF) President Hendrik Gaobaeb has articulated a comprehensive vision for Namibia, centered on equitable land redistribution, job creation, and youth empowerment. Speaking at a rally in Swakopmund, Gaobaeb detailed a plan to transform informal settlements and reduce unemployment through strategic economic initiatives.
According to The Namibia News Agency, Gaobaeb emphasized the importance of land reform by proposing that unoccupied land be placed under state custodianship for equitable redistribution. He addressed the urgent need for housing reform, particularly in Swakopmund’s DRC informal settlement, where shack fires have been a deadly concern. Gaobaeb vowed to replace these dangerous living conditions with safe, dignified housing.
In tackling Namibia’s high unemployment rate, Gaobaeb’s strategy includes industrialization and value addition to raw materials as a means to create jobs. He highlighted the need for targeted economic interventions to address youth unemploy
ment, suggesting initiatives like startup funding for young entrepreneurs and agricultural grants to bolster food security.
Gaobaeb criticized the current economic inequality and mismanagement of Namibia’s mineral wealth, proposing a basic income grant of 500 Namibian dollars for unemployed citizens aged 18 to 59. He also advocated for decentralizing development budgets to ensure equitable regional growth, promising that under UDF governance, local constituencies would have greater control over resources and development opportunities.
