Controversial activist and Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Saddam Amushelelo has taken to social media to express deep disappointment in what he describes as a lack of public support for his continued activism.
In a lengthy and emotional post, Amushelelo lamented that despite his sacrifices for workers and the oppressed, Namibians have turned their backs on him in his time of need. He pointed to several court cases and financial burdens he is now forced to carry alone, all of which he says stem from his efforts to stand up for ordinary citizens.
“It is easy for all of you to speak seeing that none of you are the ones that bear the cost of social justice activism,” he wrote, adding that many of the people he supported during protests were complete strangers, not even friends or family.
Amushelelo highlighted his upcoming court appearance in Oshakati related to a protest in defense of Rani Group workers and said he is personally responsible for all legal costs, including travel and lawyer fees. He also revealed a court judgment ordering him to pay Namib Mills N$350,000 for his role in a previous worker-related dispute.
His most personal grievance, however, was directed at the nation’s silence during a difficult time in his life, when his wife, now estranged, suffered a mild stroke while he was in prison.
“From prison I made an appeal for the public to assist her and absolutely no one came through for my wife,” he recalled.
Amushelelo criticized what he sees as a hypocritical public that claims to support change but fails to act.
“This nation is full of cowards who just make noise on social media,” he said. “It is an insult of the highest order to be compared to keyboard warriors.”
His plea ended with a call for financial support, warning that if the public fails to raise N$100,000 by the end of the day, he will be forced to reconsider his role in activism.
“Clearly, here in my own country, I am not supported,” he concluded.
