INTERVIEW: Political Party Manifestos Fail to Empower Namibians with Disabilities: A Call for Inclusive Representation

As Namibia continues to shape its democratic identity, the country’s political landscape reveals glaring gaps in addressing the needs of people with disabilities. Since 1990, when Namibia gained its independence and became a democratic state, the Constitution raised hopes for an inclusive society, one that promised a better life for all, including people with disabilities. However, despite Namibia’s endorsement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006, which was ratified by 188 nations, the political will to fully embrace the disabled community has been lacking.

Josef Kefas Sheehama, a leading advocate for disability rights, believes it is legitimate and necessary to express dissatisfaction with political parties’ manifestos that continue to marginalize people with disabilities. In Sheehama’s view, the exclusion of disabled individuals from political processes and manifestos reflects a broader failure of the system to ensure equal citizenship for all Namibians. He argues that political party manifestos should prioritize the inclusion of disabled individuals, addressing the substantial barriers that keep them from enjoying the same rights as other citizens.

“People with disabilities face unjust and demeaning judgments that diminish their contributions to society and violate their dignity,” Sheehama asserts. “Political parties, the government, and civil society organizations all have a shared responsibility to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. The fight for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in national politics needs to be strengthened by our politicians.”

Sheehama believes that the idea of equality and freedom for every citizen must encompass a full understanding of human dignity—something currently missing from most political party manifestos. He stresses that ignoring the basic interests of disabled individuals undermines the legitimacy of political institutions.

“Manifestos that fail to address the needs of people with disabilities send a clear message that these individuals are not seen as equal citizens,” Sheehama explains. “This has serious implications for their participation in the labor market, social life, and, most importantly, politics.”

Namibians with disabilities already face numerous challenges, including discrimination, stigma, and exclusion from opportunities in the workforce and society. Sheehama insists that political manifestos must move beyond simply offering disability grants. Instead, there should be a focus on empowerment—providing individuals with disabilities the tools and resources to showcase their skills and contribute to society. “People with disabilities are not lazy,” he says. “They want more than handouts—they want to be empowered.”

Sheehama’s critique extends to the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NFPDN), which he believes has not done enough to advocate for the rights of disabled individuals. “The NFPDN, despite being empowered by the Affirmative Action Act to represent various disability groups, has remained silent on critical issues. This silence leaves people with disabilities struggling without the necessary support,” Sheehama points out.

This exclusion from political participation extends beyond representation on paper. According to Sheehama, none of Namibia’s political parties have nominated disabled individuals as candidates for the upcoming elections, scheduled for November 27, 2024. This reflects a deep-rooted issue of discrimination that continues to isolate people with disabilities from mainstream political processes.

“The discrimination and prejudice we encounter are not due to personal shortcomings but societal policies that isolate and segregate us,” Sheehama says. “Political parties must recognize their failure to include people with disabilities and work to correct it.”

He advocates for systemic reforms that will ensure fairness and justice for disabled individuals, emphasizing the need for resource redistribution, economic support, and better constitutional protections. Sheehama believes advocacy groups play a vital role in pushing for these reforms, creating spaces for people with disabilities to engage in politics and driving the conversation forward.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Election

As Namibia prepares for the 2024 elections, Sheehama urges people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote, even though they have been excluded from much of the political process. “While we may not be included in mainstream development and governance processes, it is our responsibility as citizens to vote,” Sheehama says.

He calls on political parties to acknowledge their oversight and take action to include people with disabilities in future policy decisions. He argues that achieving full political citizenship for disabled individuals hinges on a commitment from Namibia’s leadership to uphold anti-discriminatory laws and protect the rights of all citizens.

“Inclusive political representation is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one,” Sheehama concludes. “The time has come for Namibia’s political leaders to take disability rights seriously and ensure that every Namibian has a voice in shaping our nation’s future.”

This powerful message from Sheehama serves as a reminder that true democracy can only be achieved when all citizens, regardless of their abilities, are fully included in the political process. As Namibia heads toward the 2024 elections, the call for a more inclusive political system grows louder, and the fight for the rights of people with disabilities must be at the forefront of the national agenda.