EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Shaun Gariseb’s Advocacy for Community Empowerment in Kunene

May 6, 2024/Leonard Witbeen

In a recent conversation with social activist Shaun Gariseb, the focus was squarely on Kunene, a region in Namibia brimming with natural resources yet facing systemic challenges in harnessing its potential for the benefit of local communities. Gariseb’s initiative aims to address this disparity through community empowerment and awareness.

Gariseb’s journey to Kunene epitomizes his commitment to grassroots engagement. Teaming up with influential figures like JP, who brings expertise from the Ancestral Land Commission and the Namibia Youth Council, Gariseb ventured into the heart of Kunene, specifically Kamanjab in the southern region. The objective was clear: to bridge the gap between resource-rich communities and the industries that often exploit their land without proper consultation or benefit-sharing.

Reflecting on his interactions with the locals, Gariseb underscores a critical issue: the pervasive lack of awareness among community members regarding the economic opportunities within their own backyard. Many remain oblivious to the presence of oil blocks and crucial infrastructure projects like the hydrogen pipeline passing through Kunene. Instead, they see only surface-level engagements, such as the issuance of Exploration and Production Licenses (EPLs), which often bypass genuine community involvement.

Gariseb’s advocacy is multifaceted. He not only seeks to raise awareness but also to inspire communities to demand a seat at the table where decisions affecting their land and livelihoods are made. Central to his message is the necessity for genuine consultation and consent, which are frequently overlooked in favor of expedited bureaucratic processes conducted far from the affected areas.

The issue extends to traditional authorities, who, Gariseb alleges, sometimes succumb to inducements, compromising their role as custodians of community interests. This systemic failure, he argues, perpetuates a cycle of exploitation and disenfranchisement, depriving local populations of their rightful share in the wealth extracted from their land.

Gariseb’s call to action is clear: communities must awaken to their rights and demand accountability from those who seek to profit from their resources. He emphasizes the need for education, particularly among the youth, regarding existing legal frameworks that safeguard community interests. Importantly, he highlights the provision that mandates a portion of mining revenues to be reinvested in affected communities, a principle often neglected in practice.

In essence, Gariseb’s advocacy is a plea for equitable development and social justice. It’s a reminder that true progress cannot be measured solely by the extraction of resources but by the empowerment and well-being of the communities that call these resource-rich lands home.

As we reflect on Gariseb’s impassioned words, it’s incumbent upon us to echo his call and stand in solidarity with the people of Kunene. Their struggle is not just a regional issue but a global testament to the ongoing fight for justice and equality in resource-rich regions worldwide.