As Zimbabwe’s economic crisis deepens, Namibia has offered to implement several self-help projects aimed at alleviating poverty among her neighbour’s most impoverished communities. BY Edgar Gweshe
Zimbabwe has been experiencing an economic downturn characterised by company closures and deepening poverty since the 2013 harmonised elections controversially won by Zanu PF.
Namibian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Balbina Daes Pienaar told NewsDay last week that the move was meant to cement the cordial relations existing between Harare and Windhoek.
She acknowledged in her remarks to mark her country’s Silver Jubilee Independence celebrations last week that Zimbabwe was in an economic crisis.
“Namibia is committed to further cement our bond of friendship with the government and the people of Zimbabwe. We are ready to extend our co-operation to the grassroots in order to benefit the poor of the poorest, the most vulnerable members of our societies,” Pienaar said.
“Indeed, Namibia is ready to join hands with Zimbabwe to collectively pursue projects to overcome poverty, unemployment and disease in our region and the continent.”
Pienaar expressed optimism that the direct flight between her country and Zimbabwe would enhance economic co-operation while cementing ties between Zimbabweans and Namibians.
“We are also proud that our national airline, Air Namibia, continues flying to Harare. This direct flight to Harare has deepened closer people-to-people links, and have served as an important catalyst for commercial venture,” Pienaar said.
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She, however, gave a sharp contrast on the conduct of elections and transfer of power between Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Multi-party democratic elections are held at all levels and peaceful transfer of political power has become the norm. In November last year, Namibia became the first African country to use electronic voting machines. On Saturday, March 21 2015, the world witnessed peaceful transfer of power, when the President His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob was sworn in as the third democratically elected President of the Republic of Namibia,” Pienaar said.
Zimbabwe’s past elections have been characterised by allegations of massive rigging and intimidation of opposition party supporters.
