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THE PERIOD AFTER NAMIBIA'S INDEPENDENCE Part6(6341 total words in this text) (378 Reads) 
| 1995 |
The establishment of
the Social Security Commission, with which all employers have to register
their companies and employees, benefits employees in the formal sector of
the economy. Mandatory contributions are paid on a monthly basis to cover
maternity leave, sick leave and death benefits.
The Namibian College for Open Learning (NAMCOL) enables students to enrol in
either long distance (correspondence) courses or daily classes. Classes are
held in the afternoons and evenings in 101 centres country-wide. Students
write the same examinations as learners in formal schools. The enrolment
figures climb significantly from 6 545 learners in 1995 to 20 155 students
in 1998.
The vast majority of Namibia’s international trade is still with South
Africa: 87 percent of Namibia’s imports come from South Africa, compared
with just two percent from the next important country, Germany.
A formal National Agricultural Policy (NAP) is approved. The government
seeks to redirect resources to previously disadvantaged farmers in the
communal areas. Several programmes are to be implemented with the assistance
of some development partners to achieve these police objectives. Two major
programmes, the Sustainable Animal and Range Development Programme (SARDEP)
and the Northern Regions Livestock Development Project (NOLIDEP) investigate
the feasibility of introducing sustainable range management practices in the
communal tenure areas. Consequently a "Affirmative Action Loan" Scheme was
introduced in 1992. The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) approves 40
loans to small communal farmers during the year at an average amount of N$ 5
966 per loan.
Namibia is instrumental in bringing together the fisheries establishments of
Angola, South Africa and Namibia in order to explore co-operation in the
dealing with the common scientific issues that relate to the shared Benguela
Current ecosystem. To this effect the Benguela Environment Fisheries
Interaction and Training (Benefit) Programme is created.
Telecom Namibia commissions a telecommunication satellite station in
Windhoek. In the same year Namibia’s own cell phone company, Mobile
Telecommunications Ltd. (MTC), is established. |
| January |
Hans Feddersen leaves
the Allgemeine Zeitung. On 11.05. he establishes the English and
German medium newspaper Plus in Swakopmund. |
| 05.01. |
The Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, orders explanations
from TransNamib (Managing Director: Francois Uys) why Namibia’s railway
company has allowed that certain sections of the rail track between Aus and
Lüderitz become covered under sand.
 
Aus to Lüderitz Railway Line: Near Kolmanskop: km
300 (from Keetmanshoop: 20 km from Lüderitz)
Copyright of Photos: Dr. Klaus Dierks
 
Aus to Lüderitz Railway Line: Station Grasplatz:
km 296 (24 km from Lüderitz)
Copyright of Photos: Dr. Klaus Dierks
  
Aus to Lüderitz Railway Line: km 290 (approx. 30
km from Lüderitz)
Copyright of Photos: Dr. Klaus Dierks |
| 10.01. |
President Sam Nujoma
goes on a state visit to Angola in order to mediate in the Angola conflict.
Two further visits follow on 03.02 and 14.05.
Prime Minister Hage Geingob admits after several denials the purchase of an
official aeroplane for his office (a Lear Jet 31 A, now in excess of N$ 10
million). The Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication was kept in the
dark over the purchase. |
| 01.02. |
Namibia’s first
Ombudsman since 1992, Jariretundu Kozonguizi, dies in Windhoek.
Windhoek: Hochland Park: Old Location: Cemetery:
Grave of Jariretundu Kozonguizi: March 2003
Copyright of Photo: Dr. Klaus Dierks |
| 09.02. |
The Minister for
Finance, Gerd Hanekom, tables the Budget for the Financial Year 1995/96. The
main objective of the 1995/96 budget is the promotion of economic growth and
the creation of job opportunities while the growth rate of 5,4% in the
previous year decreased to 3,5% in the current year. The budget makes
provision for an expenditure of N$ 4 341 million, an increase of 18% against
1994/95 which is more than the inflation rate of 10% for the year (11% for
the previous year). The revenue without external assistance of N$ 38
million, is estimated with N$ 3 829 million (also an increase in revenue of
18% against the previous year) which includes N$ 1 155 million from customs
and levies from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The expected
deficit of N$ 474 million is again clearly higher than the deficit for the
last year of N$ 407 million (which is now estimated with N$ 499 million). It
again will be covered on the domestic capital market.
The capital budget is estimated with N$ 680 million (15,7% of the total
expenditure). |
| 10.02. |
The Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, commissions, together
with the German Ambassador in Namibia, Hanns Schumacher, the first radar
installation for the surveillance of the Namibian air space at the
International Airport Windhoek.
The European Ambassador to Namibia, Roger Leenders, announces a grant of N$
92 million to finance a 100 km long section of the Trans Caprivi Highway
from a point 100 km east of Divundu at the Okavango River to Kongola at the
Kwando River. This grant was negotiated in Brussels in several protracted,
difficult negotiations by Klaus Dierks. |
| 15.02. |
Nujoma meets Botswana
President Ketumile Masire. In spite of the mediation of Zimbabwe President
Robert Mugabe, the boundary around the Kasikili Island remains a point of
conflict between Namibia and Botswana. It is decided to refer the case to
the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague. In spite of this
border conflict the relations between the two countries remain good. The
construction of the Trans Kalahari Highway on both sides is in full swing.
The Minister for Mines and Energy, Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, inaugurates the
first power transmission between the two countries (21.07.). Prime Minister
Hage Gottfried Geingob visits Botswana from 24.07. to 28.07. A Water
Agreement between Namibia, Angola and Botswana on the water of the Okavango
River is signed during the second meeting of the Okavango River Basin
Commission at Gaborone (01.08.). |
| 20.02. |
The members of the
National Assembly approve an increase of their salaries of 20%. This results
in a public outcry. |
| 20./22.02. |
The Prime Minister of
Sweden, Ingvar, Carlsson, visits Namibia. |
| 24./25.02. |
The Austrian Minister
of Transport, Viktor Klima (later Austrian Minister of Finance and
Chancellor of the Republic of Austria), is received by the Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks. A Memorandum of
Understanding is signed in order to improve Namibia’s railway and road
systems, providing employment opportunities and develop small scale
industries in the transport sector. The visit ends with a note of
embarrassment. During Klima’s visit, the Austrian Ambassador, Pallasch,
urges Dierks to arrange an appointment for Viktor Klima with President
Nujoma. Due to the fact that this is not Dierks’ business, he is reluctant
to do so. But, the Austrian Ambassador insists on such an appointment, due
to a simultaneous visit by the Austrian right-wing opposition leader, Jörg
Haider, who is about to go on a hunting trip with President Nujoma
(25./26.02). In order to spare embarrassment to Namibia, Dierks manages to
arrange with assistance of Nujoma’s personal secretary, Angolo Ndeutalah, an
appointment with the President on 25.02. After Haider’s arrival in Vienna he
gives a press conference where he insults the Namibian people and
government. This leads to a serious embarrassment for President Nujoma and
curtails Dierks’ political career. |
| 01.03. |
President Nujoma
visits Zambia. There he discusses with President Frederick Chiluba a joint
venture to build a copper smelter. |
| 09.03. |
The Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, announces that Germany
gives a grant of N$ 2 million for a planning study to develop the Port of
Walvis Bay into a major transport player along the African west coast and
the end point of the Walvis Bay Corridor to South Africa as a more efficient
alternative to the South African ports. Simultaneously he also makes known
that he already had negotiations with the European Investment Bank (EIB) in
Luxembourg to upgrade and expand the Port of Lüderitz. |
| 21.03. |
Re-elected President
Sam Nujoma (with 76,3% of the votes) announces his Second Cabinet for the
second freely-elected Government of the Republic of Namibia. Hage Gottfried
Geingob again becomes Prime Minister. Hendrik Witbooi is appointed in the
newly established position of a Deputy Prime Minister. The following
ministries are remaining or are newly created (Minister, Deputy Minister,
Permanent Secretary): Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (Nangolo
Mbumba, Stan Webster, Isaac Kaulinge); Defence (Phillemon Malima, Erikki
Nghimtina, Erastus Negonga); Basic Education and Culture (John Mutorwa,
Clara Bohitile, Loini N Katoma); Finance (Helmut Kangulohi Angula, Barmenas
R Kukuri, Godfrey Gaoseb); Foreign Affairs (Theo-Ben Gurirab, Netumbo Nandi
Ndaitwah, Andreas PGuibeb);
Health and Social Services (Nicky Iyambo, Deputy Minister: vacant, Solomon
Amadhila); Home Affairs (President Sam Nujoma, Jerry Ekandjo, Niilo Taapopi);
Information and Broadcasting (Ben Amathila, Daniel Tjongarero, Nguno
Wakolele); Justice (Ernest Ngarikutuke Tjiriange, Deputy Minister: vacant,
Albert Kawana); Labour and Human Resources Development (Moses Makue
5Garoëb, John
Mueneni Shaetonhodi, Tuli Hiveluah); Land, Resettlement and Rehabilitation
(Richard Kapelwa-Kabajani, Timothy Hadino Hishongwa, Joseph Iita); Regional
and Local Government and Housing (Libertine Amathila, Ben Ulenga,
Nghidimondjila Shoombe); Mines and Energy (Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, Jesaya
Nyamu, Mr. Shimutuikeni); Trade and Industry (Hidipo Hamutenya, Wilfried
Emvula, Hanno Rumpf); Environment and Tourism (Gerd
Hanekom, Nangolo Ithete, Uitala Hiveluah); Works, Transport and
Communication (Oskar Valentin Plichta, Klaus Dierks, Peingeondjabi Shipoh);
Fisheries and Marine Resources (Lucas Hifikepunye Pohamba, Abraham Iyambo,
Jan Jürgens); Youth and Sport (Pendukeni Iivula Ithana, Martin Kapewasha,
Calle Schlettwein). Two completely new ministries are created: Tertiary
Education and Vocational Training (Nahas Angula, Buddy Wentworth, Vitalis
Ankama) and Prisons and Correctional Services (Marco Hausiku, Michaela
Hübschle, Frans Kapofi). Further members of the second Cabinet are the
Secretary-General of SWAPO (Moses Makue
5Garoëb); the
Minister of State for Security (Peter Tshirumbu Tsheehama); the
Attorney-General (Vekuui Rukoro (NNF))(the former Attorney-General, Hartmut
Ruppel, does not accept the position of Deputy Minister for Justice and
retires into private life); the Auditor-General (Fanuel Tjingaete) and the
Director-General of the National Planning Commission (Sarah Kuugongelwa,
Zedekia Ngavirue goes as Ambassador to Brussels). The Permanent Secretary in
the Office of the President is Petrus Damaseb. The Secretary of Cabinet is
Eddie S Amkongo. While again many of the government positions have been
allocated to members of the Oshivambo speaking community, other Namibian
communities are also represented. Again the "white", and especially the
German speaking group is clearly over-represented. The second Cabinet
reconfirms President Nujoma as the single most powerful figure in Namibian
politics: Nujoma controls the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) as its
Commander-in-Chief. He also holds the reigns of the National Security
Intelligence Agency (NSIA) and is the care taking Minister for Home Affairs.
Further presidential control is also evident in the
appointment of Iyambo Indongo as Inspector of Hospitals (later he is
appointed as Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services).
At the occasion of Namibia’s Independence Day visit the presidents of
Angola, Botswana and Zimbabwe Windhoek. |
| 08.04. |
Frustrated
demobilised jobless Ex-PLAN soldiers march to the Office of the President
and demonstrate for jobs. This demonstration is followed by a further
protest action at State House on 08.05. |
| 13.04. |
The Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, announces that the
commercial pilot training college for Keetmanshoop is still on the cards.
But the funding depends on the school’s economic feasibility, which in turn
hinges on South Africa’s participation in the proposed pilot training
programme. Therefore, the newly appointed Minister for Works, Transport and
Communication, Oskar Valentin Plichta, requests an urgent meeting with the
South African Transport Minister, Mac Maharaj, to discuss this. The Training
College would require 80 students (40 from South Africa) per annum to be
viable. |
| 18.04. |
Klaus Dierks declares
that he looking for finance to fund a new highway from Rundu in the east to
Onuno via Eenhana in the Ohangwena Region in order to link the Kavango with
the former Ovamboland. This road would serve as the western extension of the
Trans Caprivi Highway. Furthermore negotiations between the German
Government and Dierks take place on the funding of a Zambezi Bridge between
Namibia (Katima Mulilo) and Zambia (Sesheke) and the construction of the
last section of the Trans Caprivi Highway between Wenela at the Zambia
border and Ngoma at the Botswana border with the upgrading of an existing
bridge over the Chobe River. |
| May |
The findings of the
Committee of Inquiry on the Misuse of Drought Relief Subventions (Brits
Commission) are not implemented. Officials who used these subventions to
drill boreholes on their private farms (inter alia Minister of Justice,
Ernest Ngarikutuke Tjiriange and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nangolo
Ithete), are exonerated. |
| 02./04.05. |
The President of
Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, visits Namibia. |
| 04.05. |
Growing critic, even
in the ruling party SWAPO, to implement changes to improve the life
conditions of many still impoverished, formerly disadvantaged Namibians
leads to the establishment of a new party, SWAPO for Justice. However, this
party cannot mobilise any support within the population. |
| 14.05. |
President Sam Nujoma
goes on a state visit to Nigeria. His contacts with the Nigerian President
Sani Abacha meet increasing critic inside and outside the country. Even the
government owned and pro-SWAPO newspaper New Era expresses its disgust. |
| 18.05. |
A plan by the Deputy
Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, to completely
overhaul Namibia’s transport and road maintenance system is welcomed by the
Windhoek Chamber of Commerce. Road users have to pay what they consume and
therefore an equitable, fair, cost-reflective and transparent road user
charging system has to be put in place. A system of "pay as you use" and new
weight and distance charges for heavy vehicles are envisaged. Road
transportation will be completely privatised by the year 2000. |
| 03.06. |
Hannes Smith from the
newspaper Windhoek Observer is to appear in the Windhoek High Court
from 05.12. to 07.12.1995 (together with Nic Kruger, a former director of
the newspaper and Elizabeth Haase, who placed the advert) on a charge of
contravening the Racial Discrimination Prohibition Act (Act No 26 of 1991).
The charge arises from the publication of an advertisement in the
Windhoek Observer (17.08.1994) in which the seventh anniversary of
Rudolf Hess’ death on 17.08.1987, deputy of Adolf Hitler, at the premises of
the Berlin-Spandau prison where he was detained in 1946 following a
life-long sentence imposed by the Nuremberg Trial, was glorified. The state
witnesses against Smith and the instigators of the advertisement are Harold
Pupkewitz, André du Pisani, Gerhard Tötemeyer, Hans Feddersen, Henning
Melber and Klaus Dierks. |
| 08.06. |
The Namibia-Zambia
Joint Permanent Commission meets in Windhoek. Deputy Minister for Works,
Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, and his counterpart, Gilbert
Mululu, sign a Cross Border Road Transport Agreement between the two
countries. |
| 15./17.06. |
The President of
Zambia, Frederick Chiluba, visits Namibia. |
| 07.07. |
Public pressure
forces the Government to publish the findings of the Committee of Inquiry on
the Misuse of Drought Relief Subventions (Brits Commission). |
| 10.07. |
Between Zimbabwe and
Namibia a Joint Commission of Cooperation is established. |
| 24.07. |
The Government makes
a Job Creation Programme for Ex-PLAN fighters known. The establishment of a
Cabinet Assistance Fond for these demobilised soldiers is also announced. |
| 28.07. |
The Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, announces the
establishment of a Task Force for the Restructuring of TransNamib Limited,
Namibia’s state owned transport company. A three-man task force is to be
appointed to conduct a "thorough investigation" into TransNamib affairs as
well as conduct a comprehensive restructuring analysis of the corporation.
The task force consists of the Chairperson, Petrus Damaseb, Gabor Bruszt and
Trevor Ferrel. The team has to redefine the relationship between TransNamib
and its owner, the State. It will also has to analyse the financial
performance of the State Owned Enterprise, especially regarding the erosion
of company assets and loss of shareholder value since Independence. The task
force will also has to investigate possible ways TransNamib could be brought
in line with official transport policy and look at the human resources
development including Affirmative Action. |
| 27./29.07. |
The King of
Swaziland, Mswati III, visits Namibia. |
| August |
The Namibian Economic
Policy Research Unit (NEPRU) announces that, as in 1994 and in spite of
favourable political and economic parameters and the prevailing peace and
stability, foreign investments are generally still lacking, with the
exception of single projects in the tourism (with growth rates of ten
percent) and diamond and fossil gas sectors. NEPRU forecasts stability in
the mining sector with some reductions in profits and in the mining deposits
and with increasing production costs. This NEPRU prognosis is later proven
to be too pessimistic. The agricultural sector is negatively influenced by
decreased prices for cattle and the still prevailing consequences of the
drought of 1992. The fishery sector is negatively influenced by unfavourable
climatic influences. The still too high proportion of civil servant salaries
for more than 65 000 officials (a rise of more than 20 000 since
independence) in relation to the state revenue gives cause to concern. Also
1995 doesn’t alleviate the inherited social imbalance between "black" and
"white" communities. After Brazil and South Africa, Namibia has the highest
imbalance in income between different groups in the world. |
| 27./30.08. |
The Minister for
Defence, Philemon Malima, concludes an agreement for the training of
Namibian military personnel in Zimbabwe. |
| 06.09. |
Both the Minister and
Deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communication refute public
statements by TransNamib (Air Namibia) General Manager Keith Petch to buy a
new aircraft for the ailing airline without open, transparent tender. Dierks
maintains that any major purchase by the parastatal should be done by open
tender, "especially in a case where TransNamib management is always trying
to manipulate the Board of Directors". Furthermore he is of the opinion that
such a purchase should be put on hold until the investigations of the
independent Task Force into TransNamib are concluded. |
| 08.09. |
As approved by the
summit of heads of state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC),
the Southern Africa Regional Air Transport Authority (SARATA) is created. |
| 14./15.09. |
The German
Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, confirms during a state visit to Namibia the close
relations between the two countries. Ovaherero Chief Kuaima Riruako
organises a protest demonstration in favour of compensations for the
Ovaherero for the sufferings they experienced during the German-Namibian War
from 1903 to 1909. This presentation again puts the bitter past into the
conscience of the present time. The Ovaherero want to meet Kohl, but Kohl
refuses to see them and instead visits Swakopmund. |
| 16.09. |
President Sam Nujoma
appoints the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Jerry Ekandjo, as Minister.
Jeremiah Nambinga becomes the Deputy Minister. |
| 26.09. |
The Traditional
Authorities Act, No. 17 of 1995 becomes law. |
| 03.10. |
Renewed
demonstrations of Ex-PLAN soldiers take place at the Office of the Prime
Minister. The Deputy Minister for Land, Resettlement and Rehabilitation,
Timothy Hadino Hishongwa, is taken hostage by the former SWAPO fighters for
several hours. To control the escalating situation Cabinets approves a
resolution that the Ministry for Finance has to instruct all ministries to
cut their budgets by one percent in order to create more job opportunities
for the demobilised soldiers. The Namibian Defence Forces and the Namibian
Police have to incorporate 2 000 of these people into their ranks. |
| 10.10. |
In consequence of the
findings of the independent Task Force for the Restructuring of TransNamib
Limited, the Government decides to dismiss the entire Board of Directors of
TransNamib under the chairmanship of Johann-Albrecht Brückner. However, some
directors of the old board are reappointed to the new board: Vivienne
Graig-McLaren, Susan Harris, Willy Klein and the Chief Executive Officer,
Francois Uys. Willy Klein becomes the new chair person of the Board of
Directors of TransNamib Limited. Further directors are Leake Hangala (Chief
Executive Officer of the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower)), B. Ekloff
(Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Namibia), Issie Namaseb, JP Karuaihe und
JN Nghifindaka. |
| 20.10. |
The Minister (Oskar
Valentin Plichta) and Deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communication
(Klaus Dierks) urge the new Board of TransNamib to concentrate on the core
business, the sustainable development of the Namibian railways and the
upgrading of the rail track between Aus and Lüderitz. |
| 26.10./03.11. |
President Nujoma
attends the Conference of Non-Aligned Countries in Columbia. After this he
visits Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil. There he negotiates assistance in the
establishment of a Namibian navy force. |
| 03.11. |
The Minister for
Finance, Gerd Hanekom, tables an Additional Budget which makes provision for
an additional expenditure of N$ 568,2 million. This
represents 13% of the original Budget for 1995/96 (7% in the previous year). |
| 04.11. |
Zimbabwe President,
Robert Mugabe, visits Namibia. |
| 21.11. |
The Minister for
Works, Transport and Communication, Oskar Valentin Plichta, confirms that
the system of road user charges will be introduced next year. This new
system would mainly rely on fuel levies to raise revenue for the upgrading
and maintenance of Namibia’s excellent road network. "Pricing the use of
roads to reflect costs more correctly will enable the railways to compete
against road transport on a more level playing field". |
| 22.11. |
In order to mediate
in the Angola civil war, Namibia decides to send 200 troops to this war torn
country. This happens in terms of the United Nations Angolan Verification
Mission (UNAVEM III) and the Border Security Agreement of 1990. |
| 23.11. |
The Wages and Salary
Commission (WASCOM)(established beginning of 1995) recommends a salary
increase for political office bearers up to 100%. This is followed by an
public outcry. The Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) declares on 12.12.
this increase as "obscene". |
| 05.12. |
Hannes Smith from the
newspaper Windhoek Observer is to appear in the Windhoek High Court
(together with Nic Kruger as former director of the newspaper and Elizabeth
Haase, who placed the advert) on a charge of contravening the Racial
Discrimination Prohibition Act (Act No 26 of 1991). The charge arises from
the publication of an advertisement in the Windhoek Observer
(17.08.1994) in which the seventh anniversary of Rudolf Hess’ death on
17.08.1987, deputy of Adolf Hitler, at the premises of the Berlin-Spandau
prison where he was detained in 1946 following a life-long sentence imposed
by the Nuremberg Trial, was glorified. The state witnesses against Smith and
the instigators of the advertisement are Harold Pupkewitz, André du Pisani,
Gerhard Tötemeyer, Hans Feddersen, Henning Melber and Klaus Dierks. The
advert, published in German, described Hess "as the last representative of a
better Germany" and a "martyr for peace". It continued, "He flew to England
to the real manipulators of World War II with a peace message from the
Führer Adolf Hitler". The advert is described by the state witnesses as one
which "spreads falsehoods and arouses hatred", "insensitive and offensive",
"racial insult, racial disharmony, racial hatred and the dissemination of
racial superiority". Advocate John Walters leads the prosecution. Judge Theo
Frank postpones the case until August 1996 to avoid "piecemeal" litigation. |
| 18.12. |
The Deputy Minister
for Works, Transport and Communication, Klaus Dierks, declares that the
Ministry believes in preventative road maintenance. Research has revealed
that preventative road maintenance is three to four times more cost
efficient than rehabilitation works on paved road surfaces. The extreme
Namibian sun intensity leads to the rapid oxidation of black top road layers
with the resulting cracks in the road surface. During the rainy season water
penetrates the basecourse and destroys the bearing capacity of the road
layers. This has to be counterbalanced by preventative road maintenance. For
this purpose the Ministry has budgeted N$ 12 million in the current
financial year. |
| December |
The Deputy Minister
for Information and Broadcasting, Daniel Tjongarero,
becomes the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation
(NBC). |
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