There’s a lot to learn from Zim, says Namibian minister

Herald Reporter
A Namibian delegation that is in the country says it has a lot to learn from Zimbabwe, especially during this period when the latter is under illegal Western sanctions.
The delegation – led by that country’s Regional and Local Government Minister Jerry Ekandjo – is in Zimbabwe to exchange notes with their counterparts here.
Said Mr Ekandjo, “We chose to come here to Zimbabwe because you have sanctions but you survive.
“I have been to Cuba (which also has sanctions) and they survive. How do you survive in such a situation?
“I could have just gone to Britain but we will never learn anything.”
Mr Ekandjo and his delegation met Local Government and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo and other senior Government officials.
His delegation comprises Governors, Mayors and local authority officials.
Mr Ekandjo said their local authorities were run by ordinances, which were outdated and they wanted to adopt Zimbabwe’s model.
Minister Chombo said Mr Ekandjo’s chairmanship of the Sadc Forum for Local Government Ministers had yielded positive results for Zimbabwe.
Two critical resolutions were adopted at the last forum meeting in Angola, Minister Chombo said.
“These are that the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe must be lifted as they are negatively impacting on the local government sector and the generality of the citizenry.
“And that Zimbabwe shall host the next Sadc Local Government Ministers’ Forum. The later, will definitely enhance our profile as a nation,” he said.
Minister Chombo thanked Namibia for its unflinching support for Zimbabwe and expressed his hope that the good bilateral ties would continue to deepen.
The minister was in Windhoek, Namibia last year on a tour to assess best practices for local government.