By:Eba Kandovazu
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Michael Amushelelo has announced that he will no longer be engaging in activism that involves shutting down companies and being confrontational. He says he will now be focusing on educational activism so that people fight for themselves. He added that his focus group will be children between the ages of 5 to 15.
“Clearly it is pointless trying to bend old trees because they will simply break, it is for that reason that my focus will be on the younger people so that we can have young people who are critical thinkers, who are radical thinkers, who are analytical thinkers, who understand the importance of building a black economy,” he said.
Amushelelo and his partner Dimbulukeni Nauyoma were released on bail after they were arrested in May for leading a protest and temporarily shutting down Chinatown in the northern industrial area after Namra burned counterfeit goods which they claimed belonged to Namibians.
Amushelelo expressed disappointment in the low turn-up of people at protests that he is part of.
“When we have to demonstrate for things that concern you, unfortunately, many of us are not willing to show up. I as a person, am coming to a point and realising that the cause that I’m fighting for might be noble, just cause, but unfortunately I’m trying to save and free people who do not want to be saved,” Amushelelo said.
Earlier this week, The Black People’s Economic Emancipation Association demonstrated demanding for the nationalisation of all mineral resources in Namibia. Prominent Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo also joined the protest.
Petitions were handed over to Parliament and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX).
“I remain a member of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters and I will continue to work to ensure that people understand the ideology of the party and the importance of politics.
Laws are made by politicians and the current laws are the ones ensuring that only a handful of people enjoy the country’s abundant natural mineral resources and it is laws that need to be changed to ensure that the wealth is equitable redistributed and our current two members of parliament will continue to raise issues in parliament even though they don’t have the power to change the laws. I will be more actively involved with the Black People Economic Emancipation Association to ensure that our demands are acceded to.”
