Landless People's Movement (LPM) President Bernadus Swartbooi says that while Namibia gained independence 34 years ago, this has not necessarily translated into true freedom for its people.

Swartbooi made these remarks while addressing the party’s star rally at the DRC Sports Field in Otjiwarongo, where LPM members and supporters, dressed in their signature orange colors, gathered in support.

Swartbooi, the party’s Chief Change Campaigner, argued that national independence alone does not guarantee individual freedom:  

"True freedom for a person, or society, is only achieved when there is freedom from poverty, hunger, lack of education, landlessness, homelessness, job insecurity, and when everyone can reach their full potential."

He claimed that the benefits of independence have mainly targeted specific individuals and their selected networks. Citing data from the Namibia Statistics Agency, Swartbooi highlighted the rise in school dropouts as an example of the country's lack of progress. In 1991, 55% of learners had dropped out by age 15, a figure that rose to 71% by 2016. He pointed out that only 22% of schoolchildren complete their education, questioning what happens to the remaining 78%.

Swartbooi also criticized drought relief efforts, stating that individuals cannot sustainably live at the mercy of others. If the LPM is entrusted with the nation’s vote, he promised that funds from Namibia’s oil discoveries would be distributed directly to citizens through cash transfers:  

"Your citizenship should mean more than just having an ID, passport, or driver’s license. It should be linked to the resources of the state."

He further vowed that if elected president, any money obtained through genocide reparations from Germany would be placed directly in the hands of the people, not the government.