The Black People's Economic Emancipation Association has petitioned Parliament to abolish Article 31 of the Constitution.

Article 31 protects sitting and former heads of state from civil or criminal prosecution for any wrongdoing committed during their tenure in office.

"If you are saying the law is for everyone, everyone is equal by law, why is it that you put this particular clause, Article 31? Where you are saying, even if you steal, even if you loot, even if you enrich yourself, while you are in the office or out of the office, that you cannot be arrested," said Michael Amushelelo, a member of the Black People's Economic Emancipation Association.

The group staged a march from Okuryangava's Stop and Shop area to the Zoo Park in the CBD.

The group also wants all-natural recourses in Namibia to be nationalised.

While handing over the petition to the Accounting Officer of the National Assembly, Lydia Kandetu, Amushelelo urged lawmakers to utilize their political powers and redress the imbalances of the past.

"We come here as the Black People Economic Emancipation Association carrying the burden of the millions of economically excluded, subjugated, oppressed, exploited, and depressed Namibians in support of the nationalisation of our natural resources to make the following demands. We demand that all our natural mineral resources be nationalized, especially the mines so that the wealth of our country is shared equally amongst all Namibians."

The Black People's Economic Emancipation Association also slammed the Regional Electricity Distributors, claiming that the middlemen have caused unsustainable inflation in electricity prices.

Amushelelo further called for the nationalisation of mines and banks, and the creation of equal employment opportunities.

"It is a shame that we mine diamonds in the south but we have diamond polishing companies in Windhoek as if we mine diamonds in Windhoek while people in the south do not have jobs where diamonds are coming from. If the diamonds are coming from the south, the diamond factories must be in the south so that the people in the south can enjoy employment."

While promising to hand over the petition to Parliament, Lydia Kandetu, Secretary of the National Assembly, reminded Amushelelo that lawmakers have not forgotten the youth and that Parliament is open for all.

"You are not lost. Parliament belongs to the people, and the people are the youth, so you are part. This document is going to Parliament. There is a rule that says that everyone is allowed. When you are not feeling well, when you are aggrieved, go take your issues to Parliament."

The association has given Parliament until the 22nd of November to respond to their demands.