Heroes in a world full of villains

August marks yet another Heroes Day celebration, and, for the umpteenth time, speeches will be regurgitated about the liberation struggle.And fairly so. The liberation struggle is the most important chapter of Namibia’s history, and it has produced countless heroes for our country.Sadly, many of these heroes have turned into villains as time has passed.They have gotten drunk off their gloating sense of self-importance and the idea that the country owes its entire being to them.This strongman mentality has made these former heroes unaccountable to anyone — and anyone who dares question their erratic behaviour is labelled a threat to the gains of the country’s freedom and independence.They pile accolades, street names and juicy positions upon themselves and demand respect, even when it is not warranted. They believe their respect has already been gained and nothing they do today can undo their war exploits.It’s a sad African habit that heroes drop the ball halfway and become even worse than the enemy they fought at the battlefront.True, it is heroic when one endures prison, torture and humiliation for the greater good of others. But when this is replaced with grand-scale thievery, nepotism and the corrupt manner in which the rest of the nation is left licking its wounds, so-called heroes become villains.Being a hero is not cast in stone.

Heroes in a world full of villains

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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Heroes in a world full of villains

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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