Namibia's parliamentary committee on natural resources has warned that the Affirmative Repositioning bill might clash with the country's constitution and scare away investors. The committee gathered feedback from government officials, community groups, farmers, and traditional leaders before sharing their report with the National Assembly. This bill aims to control how foreigners can buy land and wants lawmakers to pass these rules right away. AR also wants to limit property purchases by people who aren't Namibian citizens.
After talking with different groups, the committee believes this bill could hurt how other countries see Namibia. They worry it might make international partners lose respect for Namibia and discourage much-needed foreign money from coming into the country. The committee expects the bill would cause the economy to shrink, create fewer jobs for locals, and reduce overall well-being. They point out that requiring 51% local ownership forces investors to shoulder all the risk without any control over their investments.
The committee stated the bill makes Namibia less appealing to businesses, creates more paperwork, and increases costs. They believe it goes against articles 10, 16, and 21 of the Constitution and will restrict certain rights and freedoms. The report mentions that the bill interferes with people making their business deals and setting their terms. It limits the freedom to make contracts because it blocks certain land sales between willing buyers and sellers.
AR spokesperson George Kambala responded by saying South Africa passed their Expropriation Act, but Namibia lacks the determination to fix historical wrongs. He claimed South African leaders at least try to challenge wealthy landowners, but Namibian leaders won't even pretend to make real changes. Kambala said lawmakers care more about keeping foreign investors happy than listening to citizens who signed their petition. He believes the suggested changes barely address the problem because land remains concentrated among a small group of people.
After talking with different groups, the committee believes this bill could hurt how other countries see Namibia. They worry it might make international partners lose respect for Namibia and discourage much-needed foreign money from coming into the country. The committee expects the bill would cause the economy to shrink, create fewer jobs for locals, and reduce overall well-being. They point out that requiring 51% local ownership forces investors to shoulder all the risk without any control over their investments.
The committee stated the bill makes Namibia less appealing to businesses, creates more paperwork, and increases costs. They believe it goes against articles 10, 16, and 21 of the Constitution and will restrict certain rights and freedoms. The report mentions that the bill interferes with people making their business deals and setting their terms. It limits the freedom to make contracts because it blocks certain land sales between willing buyers and sellers.
AR spokesperson George Kambala responded by saying South Africa passed their Expropriation Act, but Namibia lacks the determination to fix historical wrongs. He claimed South African leaders at least try to challenge wealthy landowners, but Namibian leaders won't even pretend to make real changes. Kambala said lawmakers care more about keeping foreign investors happy than listening to citizens who signed their petition. He believes the suggested changes barely address the problem because land remains concentrated among a small group of people.
