Emvula condemns government failures in maiden speech
In a strongly worded maiden speech to the National Assembly last week, newly sworn-in member of parliament Eneas Emvula of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) delivered a direct and unflinching critique of Namibia’s post-independence government, accusing it of failing a majority of citizens and betraying the foundational goals of the country’s liberation struggle.
Addressing parliament last Tuesday, Emvula said his presence in parliament was not a personal triumph but a mandate from the dispossessed.
“I am the voice of those long denied land, justice and dignity,” he declared, referencing the country’s working poor, rural communities and unemployed youth. He saluted his party’s leader, Bernadus Swartbooi, for what he described as “militant leadership” rooted in the people’s struggles.
Emvula described Namibia’s independence as a revolution later “betrayed” by a political elite who, he claimed, continue to serve the interests of a “comprador bourgeoisie” rather than the majority.
“We were not liberated to become wage slaves,” he said, arguing that the country’s economy remains structurally exploitative under a capitalist system.
During his speech, Emvula described a 14-year-old boy he met in the Rundu constituency who works at the Etunda Irrigation Scheme to support his family. He said the child’s story reflects a broader reality of systemic child labour and poverty, particularly in rural Namibia.
“Our constitution guarantees children protection from economic exploitation,” Emvula said. “Yet thousands are forced to work to survive," he claimed.
"This is not just a policy failure – it is structural violence.”
Basic obligations
The MP also condemned the state of informal housing in Windhoek and other towns, highlighting the plight of those living in riverbeds and makeshift structures. He criticised the government’s annual flood responses as “photo ops” and called for a long-term, state-led urban transformation plan.
“We are not asking for miracles – we are demanding that the state fulfil its basic constitutional obligations,” he said.
Turning to youth issues, Emvula accused government of using employment schemes as political tools to “contain” young people within security structures rather than unlocking their economic potential. “This is not employment – it is containment,” he argued.
On the 2025/26 Appropriation Bill, Emvula announced that his party would not support the proposed budget, describing it as lacking in vision and urgency.
“It is a budget of control, not change,” he said. “Until it prioritises land reform, food sovereignty, housing, jobs and education, we shall stand in principled rejection.”
Addressing parliament last Tuesday, Emvula said his presence in parliament was not a personal triumph but a mandate from the dispossessed.
“I am the voice of those long denied land, justice and dignity,” he declared, referencing the country’s working poor, rural communities and unemployed youth. He saluted his party’s leader, Bernadus Swartbooi, for what he described as “militant leadership” rooted in the people’s struggles.
Emvula described Namibia’s independence as a revolution later “betrayed” by a political elite who, he claimed, continue to serve the interests of a “comprador bourgeoisie” rather than the majority.
“We were not liberated to become wage slaves,” he said, arguing that the country’s economy remains structurally exploitative under a capitalist system.
During his speech, Emvula described a 14-year-old boy he met in the Rundu constituency who works at the Etunda Irrigation Scheme to support his family. He said the child’s story reflects a broader reality of systemic child labour and poverty, particularly in rural Namibia.
“Our constitution guarantees children protection from economic exploitation,” Emvula said. “Yet thousands are forced to work to survive," he claimed.
"This is not just a policy failure – it is structural violence.”
Basic obligations
The MP also condemned the state of informal housing in Windhoek and other towns, highlighting the plight of those living in riverbeds and makeshift structures. He criticised the government’s annual flood responses as “photo ops” and called for a long-term, state-led urban transformation plan.
“We are not asking for miracles – we are demanding that the state fulfil its basic constitutional obligations,” he said.
Turning to youth issues, Emvula accused government of using employment schemes as political tools to “contain” young people within security structures rather than unlocking their economic potential. “This is not employment – it is containment,” he argued.
On the 2025/26 Appropriation Bill, Emvula announced that his party would not support the proposed budget, describing it as lacking in vision and urgency.
“It is a budget of control, not change,” he said. “Until it prioritises land reform, food sovereignty, housing, jobs and education, we shall stand in principled rejection.”
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