WINDHOEK - NAMIBIA: Nearly a half a million people in Namibia will require food aid relief in the coming 8 months in order to survive, a new study has revealed. The Emergency Management Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister in co-operation with the World Food Progam undertook the study.

The findings are expected to be presented to the Cabinet in the coming days to enable it to take a decision regarding the recommendations made by the study. According to the Premier, Nahas Angula, the time has come for Namibians to stand together in finding ways to assist the the less privileged in Namibian society.

According to the Premier the unemployed and lower income groups will be hardest hit by the economic crisis Namibia is currently facing. He stated in an interview to Die Republikein, that the Goverment should pepare to deal with this situation effectively to prevent any poltical reaction occuring, in light of the fact that 2009 would be an election year. Angula expessed his concern about the rise in and formation of ethnic based political parties mushrooming in the country under the pretence of socio-economic pressure. he went on to say that if these parites are not properly managed, it could lead in dividing the Namibian nation at a time when all citizens should stand together.

Namibia has a population of about 1,9 million people with an unemployment rate of between 30% - 40%.