Browsing by Author "Kulobone, Alberts Munyanya"

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    Analysing the emerging trends and patterns of political competition in Namibia’s democratic landscape: Political party systems and political elitism perspectives, 1990-2024
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Kulobone, Alberts Munyanya; Mude, Torque
    Critically analysing the emerging trajectories of political party systems and the concomitant political elitism that has ensued in Namibia constitutes the objective of this study. In essence, the study analyses the evolving trends and patterns of political rivalry within Namibia's democratic framework from 1990 to 2024. Namibia, one of the relatively newest democracies in Africa, has seen significant changes and developments in its political environment since attaining independence in 1990. To examine the dynamics of party systems, the impact of regional and ethnic identities, and the function of elite actors in forming political narratives and public policy, this study employed a qualitative approach. Important conclusions drawn from this study illuminate the emergence of opposition parties, the growing fragmentation of the political landscape, and the enduring political elitism that prevents wider involvement. Undeniably, these conditions are disingenuous to democratic consolidation in Namibia. To unpack the aforementioned dynamics, the study delves deeper into how historical legacies and socioeconomic considerations impact these dynamics, offering insights into Namibia's link between political struggle, political systems, and democratic consolidation. The study found that while the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) has maintained its dominance since independence, new political parties like the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), and the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) have gained some traction, showing shifting political allegiances. The study also found that political competition in Namibia presents both opportunities and challenges. Although political competition has resulted in broader representation and democratic vibrancy, it is characterised by deep-rooted political elitism, limited internal democracy, and ethnicised voting patterns within ii parties. Additionally, neo-patrimonialism and clientelistic practices have continued to undermine competitive multiparty politics in Namibia. The study further found that the emergence of political parties has had different effects on governance and democratic institutions. Although elections have largely remained peaceful and constitutional, the dominance of a few elites has weakened institutional accountability, undermined political participation, and hindered policy responsiveness
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    The political economy of the Namibe corridor
    (2004) Kulobone, Alberts Munyanya
    The Southern African Development Community (SADC) came into being after the Declaration and the Treaty to establish it was signed at the summit of Heads of States or Government on July 17, 1992, in Windhoek, Namibia. SADC replaced the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), that had been in existence since 1980. At SADC's inception transport was seen as the most important area to be developed, on the grounds that, as the founding Lusaka Declaration of April 1, 1980 noted, without the establishment of an adequate regional transport and communication system, other areas of co-operation become impractical. Priority was to be given to the improvement of road and railway services into Mozambique, so that the landlocked countries of the region could transport their goods through Mozambican ports instead of South African ones. The principal objectives of SADCC were to reduce Member states' dependence, particularly on apartheid South Africa, to mobilize Member states' resources, in the quest for collective self-reliance, and to secure international understanding and support. This thesis deals with the political economy and potential development of the Namibe Corridor. The Namibe Corridor will link Lubango, Matala, Cassinga, Chamutete, Ondjiva and Santa Clara in Angola, and Oshikango, Ondangwa, Tsumeb and Otjiwarongo to Walvis Bay in Namibia. The corridor encompasses the port facilities in the ports of Namibe, Tombua and Walvis Bay. This is expected to usher in a new era of east-north economic integration, while also consolidating SADC's vision of a free trade area. The Republic of Namibia and that of Angola formally agreed to the creation of this important corridor on 17 May 1997(www.wbcg.com.na:2003). The completion of this corridor will be a milestone in south-south and regional co-operation, thereby attracting foreign investments and promotion of trade. It will provide for the West Coast that SADCC had attempted on the East Coast.