Making A Better World - Milton Louw

 Under the Namibian Constitution, forced labour is generally prohibited. However, there are specific provisions that allow for certain exceptions, including work by prisoners. Article 9 of the Namibian Constitution addresses slavery and forced labour: Article 9 - Slavery and Forced Labour No persons shall be held in slavery or servitude. No persons shall be required to perform forced labour. For the purposes of this Article, the expression "forced labour" shall not include:  a. Any labour required in consequence of a sentence or order of a court;  b. Any labour required of any person while he or she is lawfully detained which, though not required in consequence of a sentence or order of a court, is reasonably necessary in the interests of hygiene or for the maintenance of the place at which he or she is detained;  c. Any labour required of a member of the defence force, the police force, or the prison service in pursuance of his or her duties as such or, in the case ...

 The Road Fund Administration (RFA) commissioned a feasibility study in 2019, with a similar study done in 2008 by the Roads Authority.  The study informed that tolling can be sustainably introduced on the Namibian road network. In response, the Namibia Consumer Protection Group (NCPG) outlines the understanding of the benefits, and disadvantages. Pros of Toll Roads Revenue Generation : Toll roads provide a steady stream of revenue that can be used for road maintenance, improvements, and other infrastructure projects without relying solely on government budgets. Improved Road Quality : The revenue from tolls can ensure that roads are kept in good condition, reducing wear and tear on vehicles and improving travel safety. Reduced Traffic Congestion : Toll roads can help manage traffic flow by providing an alternative route, potentially reducing congestion on non-toll roads. Economic Efficiency : Users of toll roads pay for the specific infrastructure they use, which is a fairer ...

National medical insurance, also known as universal healthcare, has been a topic of debate in many countries. Below are the pros and cons based on insights that align with Milton Louw's progressive vision for Namibia. Pros of National Medical Insurance Universal Coverage : Ensures that all citizens have access to healthcare services, reducing health disparities and promoting social justice. Cost Control : Can lead to more efficient management of healthcare costs through centralized negotiation and purchasing. Preventive Care : Focus on preventive care can reduce the incidence of serious health issues, lowering long-term healthcare costs. Financial Protection : Protects individuals from high medical costs, preventing them from falling into poverty due to healthcare expenses. Improved Public Health : By providing widespread access to medical services, national medical insurance can improve overall public health outcomes. Economic Productivity : A healthier population can contribute t...

  Milton Louw proposes that each citizen should benefit from Namibia’s natural resources through a framework that ensures equitable distribution and utilization for national development. His approach includes several key elements: 1. Central Register of Natural Resources : A comprehensive register to track and manage licenses for natural resources, ensuring transparency and accountability in resource utilization. This register would cover all licenses for the extraction and use of natural resources, ensuring that benefits are fairly distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few  . 2. Community Participation and Ownership : Encouraging community involvement in resource management to ensure that local populations directly benefit from the resources extracted from their areas. This includes community-based projects and cooperative models that provide employment and investment opportunities for local citizens  . 3. Revenue Distribution : Implementing ...

Privacy laws, designed ostensibly to protect individuals' personal information, often end up serving the interests of the wealthy, while hindering the development opportunities for the poor. In Namibia, as in many developing countries, this dynamic is particularly evident. The implementation and enforcement of privacy regulations can inadvertently create barriers that disproportionately affect the disadvantaged, who are in dire need of development initiatives and economic opportunities. (Picture: New Era 28.02.2022) The Dichotomy of Privacy Rights The Namibian Constitution guarantees physical privacy, while informational privacy—protection of personal data—requires specific legislation. This includes the Data Protection Act, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, and Freedom of Access to Information Act. These laws, while crucial in a modern society, often cater to those who already have access to digital services and the means to protect their privacy. For the poor, th...

In Namibia, public-private collaboration models can be effectively applied across various sectors to address infrastructure gaps, improve public services, and stimulate economic growth. Most of the proposals on a public-private collaboration model, often referred to as a public-private partnership (PPP), have been out to the Namibian Government since 1994 when I was still working at the United Nations Industrial Organisations' (UNIDO) Investment Service in Paris, France. Nevertheless, with little help from ChatGPT, let's look at them again. 1. Infrastructure Development: Project: Upgrading and Expanding the Transport Network Description : Develop new roads, highways, and bridges to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas. - Model : Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) - Benefits : Improved transportation infrastructure can boost trade, tourism, and accessibility to remote areas, enhancing economic activities and integration. 2. Energy Sector: Project: Renewable Energy Plants...

  I once again have read the "fact" that Basters come from Germans. There is more German blood in Herero families than Basters. I quote from  https://minorityrights.org : Basters, a mixed-race Afrikaans-speaking community, are descendants of groups that migrated in the nineteenth century from the Cape in South Africa to settle at Rehoboth, south of Windhoek. Though far less marginalized than some other communities, many Basters have a strong sense of minority identity. They are currently estimated at numbering around 55,000, though there are no official statistics on the Baster population. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Groups of mixed-race South Africans migrated from the Cape to settle at Rehoboth, south of Windhoek, in 1868, where they displaced Nama people and rapidly established their own institutions. Even under German and South African colonial rule, Basters maintained broad autonomy. In 1872, Basters declared their own republic and were able to maintain a certain level of autonom...