Separate public hospital units for officials are not reform but 'class apartheid
via The Namibian7 min read
An announcement by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for senior government officials to use public hospitals, initially seen as a move towards equality, has led to the creation of separate, exclusive units for these officials. This development is being criticized as undermining the original intent, creating a two-tiered healthcare system where ordinary citizens face long queues and understaffed wards, while officials receive faster, better-resourced care. Ndumba Kamwanyah, a public policy expert, argues that while upgrading hospitals is necessary, the selective and rapid improvement of facilities for officials, while general wards remain neglected, highlights a disparity in empathy and sensitivity. Kamwanyah states that healthcare is a fundamental right and should not be tiered based on political status, likening the situation to a modern-day form of apartheid due to its inherent separation based on status. He acknowledges arguments for security and logistical reasons for separate units but contends that these should not compromise equity. Kamwanyah emphasizes that true reform distributes excellence to all citizens, ensuring dignified care regardless of status, and that the current approach risks normalizing inequality and eroding public trust.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadSouth African president Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged Namibia and South Africa to cease exporting raw materials and instead focus on beneficiation and industrialization. Speaking at the fourth session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria, Ramaphosa hosted president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and emphasized the strong bond between the two nations. He stated that Africa is at a defining moment due to its vast natural resources, and the challenge lies in capturing greater value from these resources. Ramaphosa called for the development of regional value chains to create jobs and opportunities within southern Africa, rather than exporting raw materials and importing prosperity. He highlighted the Orange Basin as a promising energy frontier, suggesting its development should extend beyond oil and gas extraction to establish an integrated regional energy economy encompassing engineering, exploration, refining, logistics, maritime services, and advanced manufacturing.
Namibia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, with support from conservation partners, has translocated 575 wild animals from Etosha National Park to conservation areas, including communal conservancies in the Kunene region. Tristan Cowley, founder of Conservation Travel Foundation CTF, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, communities, and conservation organizations for Namibia's conservation success. CTF, the non-profit conservation arm of ultimate.earth, contributed approximately N$2.7 million to the operation. The Kunene region hosts desert-adapted wildlife such as black rhino, elephants, and lions. Conservation partners noted that increasing prey populations is crucial for ecological balance and for reducing human-wildlife conflict. Cowley emphasized the ongoing need for cross-sector collaboration to address conservation challenges, and CTF affirmed its commitment to supporting biodiversity protection and community conservation initiatives.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has announced that playmaker Richie Mo'unga will not be part of the squad for the upcoming "Greatest Rivalry" series against the world champion Springboks. Rennie stated that he has already outlined a team for the first of four Tests next month. Mo'unga, who was New Zealand's playmaker at the last two World Cups, is currently ineligible due to the national union's rules after playing club rugby in Japan. Although he has returned to New Zealand and signed a contract, he remains ineligible until October after completing a season in the domestic provincial competition. Rennie confirmed that Mo'unga will not be joining the tour unless another fly-half sustains an injury. He noted that he observed Mo'unga's "phenomenal" performance while coaching a rival club in Japan. The All Blacks will play against South African domestic sides Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls before the opening Test in Johannesburg on August 22. Rennie indicated that while selectors have a preferred team in mind, every player will have an early opportunity to contend for Test selection.