The Coming Of Oranjemund Independence

[toonfandangl]

Read this article is this chap challenging for a spot in the Oranjemund election!



By: Fluksman Samuehl     07.02.2012

AS the political heavyweights prepare to launch campaigns in a bid to win power and control over Oranjemund town, it is interesting to look at the contested space.

Traditionally, the town has built its history and economic strength around diamond mining. Given its 'secret' geographical location; it will be difficult to redefine its future survival.
Historically, Oranjemund had been regarded as an exclusive 'fiefdom' for few Namibian and foreign elites and their families who are largely connected to diamond mining.
Others including the less privileged had to apply for permits, through a complex process which involved security screening before entry into the territory was allowed, normally for a limited time.
With looming local authority elections, life is likely to change. Some may see the post-NamDeb-controlled Oranjemund town as the second coming of Jesus Christ. In other words, these people may see it as a long overdue event that brings with it opportunities for people to do business in a free-market environment. The possibility exists to purchase and own property, and to enhance the town's ability to lure new investors to the town.
Whereas pessimists may fear imminent change, as they see it as the opening of floodgates for social problems evident in many towns in Namibia.
These may include mushrooming of squatter camps, uncontrolled shebeens, crime escalation, littering, and possible deterioration of public infrastructure that may result in declining living standards. The key question, however, is whether the incoming council may have all it takes to manage the town properly as in the past under the financially well-resourced NamDeb. Only future will tell.

ORANJEMUND OF YESTERYEAR

For various reasons, Oranjemund was seen as a place where one can achieve financial success quickly, with great prospects for personal growth, prosperity, and retire in good style. Generations that have lived in Oranjemund may have fond memories with nostalgic appetite to the honeymoon times of the old order when almost everything was provided free of charge to the employees courtesy of NamDeb.
Paradoxically, things have changed systematically. Hard work, building a solid professional career, and being smart seems to be the only guarantee for personal success today.

NAMDEB LEGACY

The imminent departure of NamDeb from the power trappings of town administration triggers uncertainty, it raises a number of questions. NamDeb and its predecessor CDM did not only run the town administration for close to a century, but were seen as the guarantor for the existence of Oranjemund, and the provider of goods.
When pondering the future of Oranjemund, it is hard to ignore the strong influence of NamDeb on the life of the town.
As NamDeb winds down its town management operations in preparation for the handover of day-to day responsibilities to the incoming local  council, there are lingering questions on the future of Oranjemund. From a closer look, it seems NamDeb leaves behind optimal prospects for success.
The town has opportunities today it never would have enjoyed without CDM/NamDeb's decades of solid investments. It is hoped that this would greatly help the town to fashion a path toward sustainable and representative local government.
For a foreseeable future it would be unimaginable for the new council to run the town administration without the technical assistance and experience of NamDeb. In return, the diamond-mining giant may look for some kind of compensation or "austerity measures" from the state.

FEARS AND UNCERTAINTY

Can Oranjemund reproduce itself? It looks as if there is a lot of digesting work to do. It is perhaps very difficult to allay fears regarding the economic future of the new Oranjemund.
How are the contractors going to be affected by the chain reaction as the town administration changes hands? Is there a possibility to earmark an informal settlement for the poorest of our society? The list of uncertainties is long. And there are no easy answers to these legitimate questions. Huge tasks await the first local councillors, and all is not going to be honourable.

JOSTLING FOR POWER

Local party officials from different political persuasions may well now be jostling for positions in the new Council. Taking into account that democratic elections don't necessary breeds economic success and prosperity for the electorate. There are many factors and dynamics at play.
If Namibia were to make progress at public governance level, political parties need a sharp departure from outdated formulas in fielding candidates. Namibia desperately needs to drift away from voting people into power for the sake of it. A working democracy should only attract the most talented, and those with best ideas. Leaders need to be selected for their holistic leadership qualities, such as the ability to bring new ideas or leadership to their constituencies.
A combination of academic, project management experience and merit should be key considerations when fielding candidates to run for public office. In other words, it should be leaders who are determined to respond to basic needs of the people as well as higher inspirational order. In the environment of increasing global uncertainty, and in a world driven by technology, the uncertainties of the past cannot offer a reliable guide to the future.
Party loyalty, popularity within the ranks and number of years holding a   membership card has proven to be disastrous in most instances in our towns. Struggle credentials without skills in leading complex and changing society is equally dangerous.
Perhaps that explains partly why the system has not yielded much success at local governance level. This tradition should be abandoned altogether if progress is to be attained economically. Ultimately, the choice of shaping the town lies with the residents and the kind of choice they make in electing leaders.

DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

A few years ago, a grand plan was mooted to transform Oranjemund into a financial centre to mimic places like Dubai in the UAE, but it appears this noble idea has been shelved for now, if not forgotten altogether. It is incumbent upon the new councillors to revisit and revive this noble idea, and to bring this plan to fruition.
Failure to diversify Oranjemund's economy quickly may paralyse the town. For this to be realised, it would require visionaries and sophisticated thinkers who are determined to leapfrog meaningful development.
I belong to the progressive and liberal society. The town should pursue a balanced approach to governance and development in order to achieve the most success. It is imperative for Oranjemund to begin working much more closely together with neighbouring towns such as Lüderitz and Rosh Pinah to strengthen the tourism triangle. 
Implementing urban planning strategies to attract private-sector participation in Oranjemund will be a key factor.
It remains to be seen how Oranjemund will liberate itself from NamDeb dependence to self-rule.
* Fluksman Samuehl is a scholar of International Relations and Strategic Studies, and former Member of Parliament. The opinions expressed herein are his own.