Tangeni Iiyambo, president of the National Union Party of South West Africa, openly advocated the recreational and medical legalization of cannabis before the Namibian parliament.
A legacy of apartheid
A small thunderclap in the Republic of South Africa. Tangeni Iiyambo, president of the South West Africa National Union (SWANU), has presented himself as a pioneer of progressivism in his country by declaring himself in favor of legalizing cannabis. Speaking before the Namibian parliament, he outlined his ambition to authorize not only medical cannabis, but also recreational use!
Tangeni Iiyambo stated loud and clear that Namibia’s current legislation was null and void, as it was a legacy of apartheid. Like many of her foreign counterparts, Iiyambo put forward the idea of boosting the country’s economy with millions of dollars at stake, especially since Lesotho (Namibia’s neighbor) legalized recreational cannabis two years ago (see our article here).
In his speech, the SWANU president reminded the audience that “Alcohol is more toxic and legal. Namibia is a very conservative and backward country, and it needs to catch up with other African countries. Ganja is harmless and has been used by our ancestors for a variety of purposes. It can be used for relaxation, for example, and to relieve stress at work, as opposed to the presumed causes of crime. Ganja users are relaxed people and the police should concentrate on serious and widespread crimes, such as rape and murder, instead of arresting people in possession of ganja.”
An incredible show of common sense that would do well to inspire the world’s leaders.
LIiyambo also pointed out that his initiative was simply a continuation of the recommendations made by the UN, which last year called on member countries to ease up on the repression of weed smokers.
Continuing, the politician elaborates: “Is our government woefully out of touch with reality and globally obvious trends? Wouldn’t cannabis and hemp products provide a livelihood if they were allowed to be grown, processed and marketed? The government discriminates against Rastafarians in their cultivation, dagga being one of them. Isn’t the law in question a violation of fundamental constitutional rights, including the right to privacy?”
And he makes a very important point. If Africa opens its eyes to cannabis soon, it could be a formidable means of enrichment and, therefore, development for the continent.
However, despite the fight initiated by SWANU, the Namibian government had already come out against legalization last July. This was in response to a demonstration in April, when some 200 consumers marched for legalization.
Nothing’s won, but things are moving!
Vincent
