INTERVIEW: Activist Rinaani Musutua on Poverty and Accountability in Namibia

In a recent interview, Rinaani Musutua, a prominent activist, opened up about the persistent issues of poverty and the lack of accountability within Namibia’s leadership. Reflecting on the promises made at independence, Musutua highlighted that citizens were promised prosperity, equality, and an end to poverty, yet, decades later, many still face significant challenges. She emphasized that despite the country’s progress in certain areas, poverty remains widespread, and those who made these promises have yet to be held accountable for their failures in addressing the issue.

Musutua expressed frustration with the current state of governance, pointing out that the leadership often prioritizes their own personal benefits and lavish lifestyles over the well-being of the population. She criticized the absence of systems that hold leaders accountable, which has led to a lack of oversight and responsibility in the country’s leadership. Without such mechanisms in place, she argued, the government’s failure to address critical issues like poverty will persist.

A key point Musutua made is that many citizens are unaware of their rights, due to a lack of proper education on how to demand accountability from their leaders. This ignorance, she believes, contributes to the passive attitude of many, who either don’t know how to protest or feel powerless to enact change. Musutua compared the situation in Namibia to a “neofeudal” system, where the population is conditioned to accept inequality and not question their leaders.

She stressed the importance of raising awareness about the country’s democratic rights, advocating for a system where citizens can actively participate in holding their leaders accountable. According to Musutua, it is the responsibility of citizens, civil society organizations, and activists to educate one another on their human rights and how to challenge the status quo. Musutua concluded by asserting that it is up to the people, not the government, to foster a culture of accountability and ensure a more equal and just society in Namibia.

Musutua’s call to action highlights a deep-seated need for change in Namibia, urging citizens to take control of their country’s future by demanding transparency and responsibility from their leaders.