The death of civil society

It has truly been an eventful few weeks for our country. National developments over the last couple of weeks have been both positive and negative of course depending on which side of the fence you are sitting on. From the highly-publicised 24-day US visit of the head of state, to paralympians making us proud in Rio, the state of the economy, frozen tenders, the looming teachers’ strike and the questionable struggle kids Social Security Commission N$11 million payout, are some of the issues still ringing in our ears. Debates on social media on these highly emotive issues have been lively and Namibians from all walks of life have not hesitated in throwing in their two cents. Some Namibians are angry at the government of the day, while others still have confidence in the Hage Geingob-led administration. What is clear, however, is that many people are realising the importance of speaking truth to power and holding elected politicians accountable for their actions. There are also those who have offered constructive criticism, while at the same time offering proposals on how government can turn the corner if realistic expectations are set. There is one thing that we should really be proud of in this country and that is the fact that the authorities have never silenced dissenting voices. But that doesn’t mean that all is good. That is why opposition parties and civil society cannot be mere mute spectators when it comes to issues of national interest. The opposition must get its groove back and give some perspective on the country’s problems. It must promote intellectual debates and healthy rivalry with the ruling party. The opposition and civil society have always been there to influence the process of democratisation and keeping it on track. We know that the lack of funding has affected the capacities of many of our civil society organisations, rendering them dormant and unable to discharge their mandate and agendas. But their deafening silence gives an impression that those who lead these institutions are content with the status quo.