One Namibia, One Nation

ALFEUS LUNGAMENI (SUCCESS HAMUNDJA) WRITES:I am not writing this to lament anyone. I am trying to find a cure before it becomes cancer. I do not believe that Namibia is one nation yet. I think we are not there yet. Why? We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if the state-sponsored collective memory of Namibia’s past is confined to the ruling party’s actors, interests, and institutions. We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if half of the population lives in shacks without water and sanitation after 35 years of political independence. We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if the ministries in Namibia continue to return money to the treasury. My friends, there is no good reason for returning money to the treasury. In fact, returning money to the treasury undermines achieving budget objectives.



We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if the Germans and Afrikaner communities continue to enjoy their historic privileges without a moral obligation to propel meaningful reconciliation and foster social cohesion. We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if the Rehoboth Basters’ construction industry has been decimated by the infiltration of the Chinese and the hijacking of smaller projects by the new political elite. We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if the Mafwe of the Zambezi region continue to be excluded from economic opportunities on account of their perceived loyalty to Muyongo.



We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if the institutions of higher learning continue to offer courses that over the years have recorded (zero) and lower employment rates. My question is why can’t we stop non-critical courses as a way to curb graduate unemployment? We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if sometimes our nurses and doctors operate without medical gloves. I think that is not right just to observe the patient and write a possible misguided diagnosis, which could lead to misguided treatment.



We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if we are not distributing resources equitably to all inhabitants. We cannot be one Namibia, one nation, if we discriminate against the rights of LGBTQ communities. My friend, it is just a matter of time before people approach the court. I personally do not support what they do, but because they are human beings, I think they should be given their rights. Why can’t you give them their rights as per the Namibian constitution? And tell them not to recruit others into things that they do not believe and may find objectionable.



Except for my beloved president (NNN), who was voted to power with 57.3%, I think that the former freedom fighters/politicians should stop saying they still have to fight for economic freedom. We, the young people, thank you for bringing us independence and freedom. Now it is our turn to fight for economic freedom, not you. The future belongs to us and to those yet unborn.



I should also make it clear that the following honorables are no longer young people, as some people might think: Sara K. Amadhila, Pohamba Shifeta, Werner Iita, Peya ­Mushelenga, Efraim Nekongo, Job Amupanda, Michael Amushelelo, Wilhelm Amutenya etc., these are no longer young people. They do not belong to the youth. I mean, who is better placed to advocate for youth matters than the youth themselves? Youth ages end at 35, please! Let it be corrected now, not tomorrow. Do not confuse the nation. I am sorry if my words are not appropriate. It is not my intention to make anyone feel bad.



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