Namibia - Rebirth of a Nation - [Produced by Kevin Harris - 1990]

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• published: 04 Oct 2015
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Namibia - Rebirth of a Nation - 1990 [The following press release was written with the production of this documentary in 1990] After 23 years of bitter armed struggle against South African forces of occupation, on the 21st March 1990 Namibia attained independence. With independence has come dignity, a strong sense of national pride and a constitution acclaimed as one of the best in the world with its emphasis on the protection of human rights and personal liberty. Showing courage and optimistic enthusiasm, Namibians are tackling the task of rebuilding a nation dispossessed by a lifetime of colonial domination - and devastated by decades of occupation by South African Security Forces. The challenge is daunting. An estimated 44 000 Namibian exiles have returned home. Housing is in desperate short supply and unemployment currently runs at around 50% of the adult population. For the majority of Namibians, independence has had no meaningful effect on the quality of their day-to-day lives. Recognising the need to pre-empt an exodus of white expertise, skills and investment capital, the new Namibian government introduced a policy of "national reconciliation". In effect, this has meant that those who held the economic power under the past regime continue to do so. In short, the new government has succeeded in reconciling with the "haves". It remains to be seen to what extent this government - elected by the people after 23 years of liberation struggle - will be successful in meeting the aspirations of the majority - who remain the "have nots". This challenge and the consistent refusal of the government to address the public outcry over SWAPO Detention Camps in exile and the fate of those who remain "missing in exile" will prove the biggest test for SWAPO in the years to come. Featuring: Bience Gawanas, Dr Shejavali, Jacob Kuhangua, Ben Taapopi Muule, Immanuel Dumeni. Willencia Uiras, Rev Emma Mujora, Capt Daniel Heroti, Lindi Kazombaue, Gwen Lister, John Liebenberg, Mrs Chrissie Gavgoses & President Sam Nujoma.