It is unfortunate that exposing the rot in the higher echelons of government has become the main pre-occupation of the media. One would want to agree with the sentiments of government, and especially the views of the Minister of Information and Communication Technology that developmental issues should feature more in our media. However, the media cannot and must not ignore reporting on issues of unbridled corruption, abuse of political power and cronyism that impact negatively on the image of Namibia and slows down our development. Small wonder that today’s media is filled with stories of corruption depicting an increase in selfish plundering of national natural resources by a select few, especially with regard to the awarding of tenders and the smelly fish quotapreneurship, employment of friends and quislings without regard to merit and professional requirements, and many other shameful activities. It is now becoming clear that there are two republics of Namibia, one for the well-connected and mighty elites and the other for the begging and impoverished voting povo. Entitlement is becoming the order of the day.
While the nation was busy honouring the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle, with giants such as Moses Garoëb, Peter Mweshihange and Anton Lubowski being given a heroes’ burial at the Heroes Acre, we awoke to the news that yet another deputy minister is in the thick of unpalatable, if not unpardonable, abuse of political power. It is reported that a certain South African girl, aged 18 years and who goes by the name of Cloete Tyler, was released on 17 July 2015 in contravention of the Immigration Control Act 7 of 1993 section 29 (5) which states that “when a case is opened with the police, immigration officials cannot release the illegal immigrant on a guarantee letter”. This is logical because the docket would by that time be with the police and the matter can only be withdrawn at court.
The girl is, however, a daughter of an associate of Honourable Derek Klazen, Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development of the other republic of Namibia (not the republic for the commoners). Upon the arrest of the girl, Honourable Klazen used his political position and influence to instruct the police to “help release Tyler”. In his own words, as quoted by the media, the minister said, “Look, I do not have the power to tell police officers what to do. But because I know the person very well, all I did was tell immigration officers if they could be of any assistance to release her because she had to leave that Sunday.” He further says he assisted Tyler because he and Tyler’s father are rugby colleagues.
This exposé brings to light the rampant commission of unlawful activities, done in an official capacity, which affects the performance of official duties. What do we expect from the poor immigration and police officers who are perpetually ordered to flout the rules and regulations of diligently executing their responsibilities? Do we expect our people do ingratiate themselves to those in cabinet in order for them to get employment, bail, tenders and be pardoned regardless of the offences they commit? Is Tyler the only illegal immigrant Namibia has ever had? Undoubtedly, there are many such illegal immigrants in our prisons. Unfortunately their fathers have no friends or sports colleagues in government. There is no drug as addictive as political power. It is advisable for government not to take the nation for granted. The government is contracted by the nation to oversee the affairs of the state on behalf of the nation, and not to engage in activities that alienate government from the voters.
The voting povo are very much aware that power, especially absolute and unchecked power, is intoxicating. They are also aware that the abuse of political power occurs at the cellular and neurochemical level of politicians. The abuse of political power manifests itself in a variety of ways, ranging from heightened cognitive functions to lack of inhibition, poor judgment, extreme narcissism, perverted behaviour, and gruesome cruelty.
Given the incessant reports of corruption in the country, one cannot help but agree with Nayef Al-Rodhan, a philosopher, neuroscientist and geo-strategist who says the neurochemistry of power has implications for politics and for political change. Since power activates our neuronal reward systems in the brain and, as such, is addictive, people in positions of unchecked power are likely to lack the self-awareness required to act with restraint or to seek a consensual form of decision-making. Dictators are, therefore, more likely to appear in situations where checks and balances are not present or consolidated. Brutality and a lack of regard for citizens of countries governed by leaders with absolute power will tend to be the rule, regardless of the psychological state of the ruler. Are we headed in this direction? Can someone put an end to the mess we are slowly engulfing ourselves in?
What is more painful is that while President Hage Geingob is trying his best to mould a united and prosperous nation, many in his cabinet circles are putting spokes in the wheels.
• Dr Charles Mubita holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Southern California.