I have been asked on occasion to give an inspirational talk to learners at award functions or graduations. The most memorable, and first, of these was for me when I was asked to deliver a speech at the Academic Awards of Dawid Bezuidenhout Secondary School My wife was also a teacher at the school, (and I had finished my schooling there - under the late Heidi Japtha, nee Persendt) and had encouraged me to accept this honour. The following is the gist of the speech I gave:
My mother was music and accounting teacher and my wife is an accounting and information sciences teacher. Many of the important people in my life were school teachers.
One of the most important lessons I learnt from a teacher was during my Standard 6 (Grade 7) year when I was 14 years old. Mr. McKelvin was my Geography teacher and till today, I can still distinguish the differences in clouds because he made us lay on our back in the middle of the playground and then pointed out the various types. This was his lesson about life:
“Sometime we find ourselves in a conversation and say something really stupid. Something like rubber is made from oil (rather than from a tree). Now a week or two later, we find ourselves among the same group of people. We remember the mistake we made so we are too frightened to say anything. So we miss the opportunity to participate because of our previous mistake.
Well, you are wrong. The other people also made mistakes, and they are too busy remembering their own mistakes to remember yours!”
This has made me overcome one of the problems I believe we all have, admitting when we have made mistakes – and more importantly learning to laugh at ourselves.
The next life lesson I remember from a teacher was about “asking God for something”. I had a successful career, happy family and most everything money could buy. During this time I prayed to God to help me establish my own business. But, instead of God answering my prayers, I found myself losing some of the wonderful things I had. One of my mentors saw how dejected I was and asked, “what’s the matter?” Upon hearing my story, he replied, “Oh, Milton. God is just making space in your hands for the next present. Your hands were just too full!”
So whenever I face adversity and see my possessions becoming less, I know it is God making more space for that big gift he has prepared for me!
Friday, 7 August 2009
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Education in the ICT (internet and telecommunications) is a must for each and every citizen of Namibia as we progress into the future. Every child attending school should be IT literate by the end of primary school. All children must have the equivalent of the Master in Microsoft Office (MCAS) or International Drivers Licence (ICDL).
The government must put in place an incentive scheme to encourage companies to invest 1% of their turnover on basic computer literacy skills (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, emails and internet). A possible tax rebate can be offered if a company can prove computer literacy levels at all levels, especially of unskilled workers. Retrenchment packages should also include a computer training component.
The government must put in place an incentive scheme to encourage companies to invest 1% of their turnover on basic computer literacy skills (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, emails and internet). A possible tax rebate can be offered if a company can prove computer literacy levels at all levels, especially of unskilled workers. Retrenchment packages should also include a computer training component.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Foundation of Education
“A child educated only at school is an uneducated child.” - George Santayana
The foundation of education is found at the home. The traditions of culture, respect for the elderly, respect for the property of others and other moral values are part of the environment within which our children grow up. In our modern world however, more and more of the responsibility of the education of our children is expected to be at school.
Our constitution guarantees primary education. I propose we introduce a further two year pre-primary care for our children. During these two formative years, children will be given the opportunity to practise their motor skills through sport, and provide an opportunity to learn the basics of music. Not all families can presently provide this necessary training, which includes teaching a child to concentrate, and it must therefore be the duty of the state to give the tools necessary to prepare the child for primary school.
The foundation of education is found at the home. The traditions of culture, respect for the elderly, respect for the property of others and other moral values are part of the environment within which our children grow up. In our modern world however, more and more of the responsibility of the education of our children is expected to be at school.
Our constitution guarantees primary education. I propose we introduce a further two year pre-primary care for our children. During these two formative years, children will be given the opportunity to practise their motor skills through sport, and provide an opportunity to learn the basics of music. Not all families can presently provide this necessary training, which includes teaching a child to concentrate, and it must therefore be the duty of the state to give the tools necessary to prepare the child for primary school.
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Corruption
Corruption is bad for any country. It prevents growth by diverting funds, scaring foreign investment and encourages educated citizens to leave so as not to be also considered part of a corrupt state. The corrupt allocation of natural resources will lead to the depletion of these resources to the detriment of all citizens. It breaks the trust between the people and its government. Most importantly is puts in doubt the ability of the government, civil service and all politicians. In other words it endangers our democracy and the rule of law.
Study proves corruption is less profitable
“Not only do you get punished by God for corruption, now we know you get punished on earth too”, said one of the readers of a recent study on corruption.
A recent study on ethics in business shows that companies that have high ethical standards and behaviour are more profitable than their competitors. Suppliers and customers alike prefer working with a company where the “rules are clear” and business decisions cannot be influenced by employees.
Most politicians bend the laws of the land and steal money or solicit bribes because they need the funds to support networks of patronage. Others do it in order to reward their nearest and dearest or to maintain a lavish lifestyle when their political lives are over. A solution is to ensure that upon retirement, a politician is able to sustain their lifestyle through a regular pension payout. Of course, effective policing and long jail terms also provide deterrents.
Effective Programme against Corruption
To be effective, an anti-corruption programme must:
The best solution to corruption remains a policy of no secrets. This means free, accessible, and available information circulated and discussed by opposition parties, free press, trade unions, business organisations and NGO’s. Without this, the fight against corruption is doomed to failure. With them it stands a chance.
Study proves corruption is less profitable
“Not only do you get punished by God for corruption, now we know you get punished on earth too”, said one of the readers of a recent study on corruption.
A recent study on ethics in business shows that companies that have high ethical standards and behaviour are more profitable than their competitors. Suppliers and customers alike prefer working with a company where the “rules are clear” and business decisions cannot be influenced by employees.
Most politicians bend the laws of the land and steal money or solicit bribes because they need the funds to support networks of patronage. Others do it in order to reward their nearest and dearest or to maintain a lavish lifestyle when their political lives are over. A solution is to ensure that upon retirement, a politician is able to sustain their lifestyle through a regular pension payout. Of course, effective policing and long jail terms also provide deterrents.
Effective Programme against Corruption
To be effective, an anti-corruption programme must:
- Persecute corrupt high profile public officials in public and private institutions, and even multinational companies. (the so-called “big fish”)
- Investment in educating the public and government officials to encourage “civic pride”;
- Liberalising and deregulating the economy. The less “red tape” or licensing procedures, the less the likelihood of corrupt practices to “facilitate business”.
- Strengthening of the institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission, Police, Customs, the Courts and the Tax Authorities.
The best solution to corruption remains a policy of no secrets. This means free, accessible, and available information circulated and discussed by opposition parties, free press, trade unions, business organisations and NGO’s. Without this, the fight against corruption is doomed to failure. With them it stands a chance.
Monday, 20 July 2009
Unionise the ICT / Data workers of Namibia
Employees and their Unions
Workers are often unskilled, semi-literate and the working conditions allow for very little opportunity to become informed of their rights. Because of the nature of our independence struggle, most workers are however aware that the unions, through their affiliation to SWAPO, are an intimidating bargainer to employers.
The worker in Namibia, who pays his or her membership dues, expects protection, better pay, better working conditions, more benefits and a sense of belonging.
IT Workers
In the modern world the distinction between white-collar and blue-collar workers are not the same as they used to be. This is particularly so in the Information Technology sector.
The IT sector was previously considered white-collar, in that many of the employees were working as software engineers and programmers. Today, many of the IT workers are busy with the backbone or infrastructure as well as the data input and manipulation.
The sector needs to become organised into an ICT Employers Federation and an ICT Workers Union. Such a Union must ensure educational standards, professional qualifications and be able to publish regular industry wage and salary scales.
Most employers would argue that a unionised workforce is not desirable. Through my experience while working as secretary for the ICT Alliance, I have learnt to differ.
An organisation such as the ICT Alliance is representing the Namibian employers in the field. They, as volunteers, have the interest of their Namibian company or institution at heart and are a lobby group for further Namibianisation of the industry. In the tri-partite labour environment we have in Namibia, they therefore represent the employers of Namibian owned companies.
The data workers need to become organised as they are not only negotiating with Namibian companies, but more and more with international technology firms. As a Union they must:
• be able to negotiate from a position of strength;
• ensure standards of qualifications;
• inform members of innovations and technology updates; and
• provide health and pension plans.
Organised labour is a must if we want to improve the economy of our country.
Unions today
The Union movement in Namibia has seen many changes since Independence. The functionaries are becoming associated more closely with the SWAPO party, many are also on the election list. In addition, the Namibia Union of National is becoming a profitable business.
The following from the website of Bank Windhoek:
“Nam-mic Financial Services Holdings (NFS) is the Group’s strategic empowerment partner. NFS holds investments in Capricorn Investment Holdings (7%), Welwitschia Nam-mic Insurance Brokers (20%), Consolidated Financial Services (5%), Capricorn Life Assurance Company (25%), Santam Namibia (10%) and Corporate Benefit Consulting (35%). The NFS subsidiary company, Nam-mic Financial Solutions offers micro finance to union members in partnership with Bank Windhoek.
... The remainder of 72.5% (of shares in NFS) is held directly or indirectly through investment companies of the National Union of Namibian workers, Mineworkers Union of Namibia, Namibia Public Workers Union, Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union, Namibia National Teachers Union, Namibia Farm Workers Union and the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union.”
As for Nam-mic Financial Solutions – the micro-lender:
“Alacrity will hold a 35% stake in the company, while the balance will be controlled by the people of Namibia through the shareholdings of Nam-mic Investment Holding Company (35%), Namibian Public Worker's Union (20%) and Namibian Food and Allied Worker's Union (10%).”
These are a betrayal of the labour union movement ideals and can constitute a real danger to their continued existence. After all, who now represents the employees of these businesses in wage negotiations?
There must be a clear differentiation of the activities of unions and the use of union funds to purchase and manage business.
Workers are often unskilled, semi-literate and the working conditions allow for very little opportunity to become informed of their rights. Because of the nature of our independence struggle, most workers are however aware that the unions, through their affiliation to SWAPO, are an intimidating bargainer to employers.
The worker in Namibia, who pays his or her membership dues, expects protection, better pay, better working conditions, more benefits and a sense of belonging.
IT Workers
In the modern world the distinction between white-collar and blue-collar workers are not the same as they used to be. This is particularly so in the Information Technology sector.
The IT sector was previously considered white-collar, in that many of the employees were working as software engineers and programmers. Today, many of the IT workers are busy with the backbone or infrastructure as well as the data input and manipulation.
The sector needs to become organised into an ICT Employers Federation and an ICT Workers Union. Such a Union must ensure educational standards, professional qualifications and be able to publish regular industry wage and salary scales.
Most employers would argue that a unionised workforce is not desirable. Through my experience while working as secretary for the ICT Alliance, I have learnt to differ.
An organisation such as the ICT Alliance is representing the Namibian employers in the field. They, as volunteers, have the interest of their Namibian company or institution at heart and are a lobby group for further Namibianisation of the industry. In the tri-partite labour environment we have in Namibia, they therefore represent the employers of Namibian owned companies.
The data workers need to become organised as they are not only negotiating with Namibian companies, but more and more with international technology firms. As a Union they must:
• be able to negotiate from a position of strength;
• ensure standards of qualifications;
• inform members of innovations and technology updates; and
• provide health and pension plans.
Organised labour is a must if we want to improve the economy of our country.
Unions today
The Union movement in Namibia has seen many changes since Independence. The functionaries are becoming associated more closely with the SWAPO party, many are also on the election list. In addition, the Namibia Union of National is becoming a profitable business.
The following from the website of Bank Windhoek:
“Nam-mic Financial Services Holdings (NFS) is the Group’s strategic empowerment partner. NFS holds investments in Capricorn Investment Holdings (7%), Welwitschia Nam-mic Insurance Brokers (20%), Consolidated Financial Services (5%), Capricorn Life Assurance Company (25%), Santam Namibia (10%) and Corporate Benefit Consulting (35%). The NFS subsidiary company, Nam-mic Financial Solutions offers micro finance to union members in partnership with Bank Windhoek.
... The remainder of 72.5% (of shares in NFS) is held directly or indirectly through investment companies of the National Union of Namibian workers, Mineworkers Union of Namibia, Namibia Public Workers Union, Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union, Namibia National Teachers Union, Namibia Farm Workers Union and the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union.”
As for Nam-mic Financial Solutions – the micro-lender:
“Alacrity will hold a 35% stake in the company, while the balance will be controlled by the people of Namibia through the shareholdings of Nam-mic Investment Holding Company (35%), Namibian Public Worker's Union (20%) and Namibian Food and Allied Worker's Union (10%).”
These are a betrayal of the labour union movement ideals and can constitute a real danger to their continued existence. After all, who now represents the employees of these businesses in wage negotiations?
There must be a clear differentiation of the activities of unions and the use of union funds to purchase and manage business.
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