Politieke verandering (ontwikkeling?) in Caprivi

ABSTRACT

POLITICAL CHANGE (DEVELOPMENT?) IN CAPRIVI

Although much has been written on the concept of political development, it remains ambiguous. In this article, the author examines some basic elements of the concept (such as progression towards independence, a more stable environment, national integration, congruence of political culture and structure, institutionalization) and consider their application to the Caprivi – an area on which very little published material exists. The article concludes that political development has taken place in the area but that the absence of an officially recognized boundary between the two tribes in the area (Fwe and Subia) creates an atmosphere of uncertainty which, in turn, stimulates primordial (tribal) politics and retards the process of nation‐building in Namibia.