Namibia plans to ban the use of single-use plastic bags to protect the environment.

The Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister, Pohamba Shifeta, said this during his ministerial statement in the National Assembly.

Shifeta argues there is nothing beneficial about single-use plastics, but they are a problem for the environment.

He explained that smarter choices need to be made when buying and selling plastic products.

Shifeta stressed that plastic waste stays on the planet for much longer than anyone can imagine, and that is just how bad it is.

He added that humanity produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, of which two-thirds are short-lived products that become waste.

Shifeta added that single-use plastics in Namibia pose an equally significant threat to the environment.

In order to achieve this objective, Namibians and some businesses need to adjust their dealings.

But this statement was met with mixed reactions.