Induction Training for Parliamentarians

As part fo the run-up to our national elections, we have to consider the induction training that parliamentarians should be getting.

As a nation we must understand and respect the institutions which propose debate and make our laws. Too many times I have heard people say “these politicians – they are only in it for what they can get”. The Parliament has as its duty the education of the citizens in how we can make use of them to improve our daily lives. Essentially, I would like to see private citizens being able to propose laws to their representatives and have these submitted in Parliament. Unfortunately most of us accept that our laws are submitted by bureaucrats (government employees) working under the orders of the Minster involved. Thus in fact not separating the executive from the legislature, but rather having the parliament become a rubber stamp for decisions made by the ruling party and its ministers.

We also have to recognise that being a Member of Parliament is a way for an individual to contribute his or her experience for the improvement of our country, rather than a career path. In recent times we have seen young people become members of parliament only to be caught up in acts which bring disrepute to the institution. This can only be corrected if members of parliament have reached a certain amount of material independence to allow them to vote for what they think is right, and not what will ensure their present income.

I propose the Parliament Administration create a school for potential parliamentarians. This can be done during the recess periods and will allow interested persons to gain first-hand experience on what would be expected from them if they enter the Parliament.

Consumer Protection in Namibia

Whenever we hear about consumer rights, we must look closely, because there is sure to be a “consumer activist” in the area. What is this activist doing and what is their goal?

According to definition, consumer activism is undertaken on behalf of consumers to assert consumer rights. Goals can include making products or services that are directed at consumers safer, of better quality as well as making them more readily available. The ideal goal is to push consumers to question the morality of a purchased product's origins.

Consumer activist tactics can include boycotts, petitioning the government, media activism, and organising interest groups

The most common tactic is to have protest marches in order to gain political influence (make the politicians listen). By gaining this influence, the group gains new political opportunities as well as access to resources such as donor money, to use for their benefit. This in turns allows for funding of further activities to protest and get the message heard.

One of the most important decisions by a consumer protection group must be the identification of a visible, clear, and despicable target that will allow for unification and mobilisation of consumers.

In Namibia, there are many businesses (and their products) that make consumers angry. In an informal survey, they most common culprits are banks, insurance companies and government. As for products, the most often cited is the lack of control on freshness of products, be they fruit and vegetables, milk or bread.

The most vexing question must remain however, what power do consumers have. It is easy to advocate not “banking for a day”, or not buying from a certain retailer, but this would need concerted effort from all consumers, not just the activists.

Consumers need to stand up for their rights. Government has to enact legislation to protect consumers, AND punish businesses that do not comply.

The Namibia Consumer Protection Group is holding a protest march on 15 March 2010 to push for recognition of this day as Consumer Rights Day.

You can join the Namibia Consumer Protection Group on Namibia Consumer Protection Group or at NCPG on Facebook.

Shortest job I ever had

I just probably had the shortest job in my life. A few weeks back I had been offered the job of Head: Corporate Sales at Legalshield Namibia and I thought it would be great opportunity to get back in the Corporate world – rather than working for myself ;-).

Anyway, was supposed to start on Nov2 and went there with high expectations. Unfortunately, they have believed someone else’s version of events of what happened at the ICT Alliance (If you remember – this was the organisation that could not pay me a salary for a part-time job but still wanted to have a disciplinary hearing after I had resigned at IIT.)

So, twenty minutes later – I walked out and like always, thanked God for guiding my life.

Funnily enough, one of my best friends for over 30 years had warned me about the job. He was arrested at his company on Wednesday and had wanted a lawyer. Even though he had paid-up membership of over three years, they refused him the services of a lawyer.

So all’s well that ends well. I am back on my own and running NamBizDotCom – AND it feels good.

Thought for the week:
“You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.”

Sun is shining, weather is hot

Wow.

My life is on the up and up. Since starting my book in January, I have often wondered the cost of this to me. I lost my place to stay (landlords renting out to corporates), furniture was taken (sheriff of the court), daughter moved out (arguing about curfew), etc. etc.

Got a lucky break and started working for GijimaAst as the training manager for Microsoft training. This was fun and I have enjoyed every minute of it!

The good part was: Trustco has hired me to be the Corporates Manager for Legalshield from the 1st November 2009. Not only is the money good, the job is a challenge.

What more can I ask for?

God's making space in my hands

A 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!