Are we becoming too angry?

By Risto Nakanyala
Responding to a question on the possibility of an Arab Spring in Namibia at one of his public lectures, Professor Joseph Diescho elucidated that the reason why Namibians do not revolt against some of the state policies, programmes and projects deemed unjust is that the citizens are not angry enough. While explaining the unprecedented revolts and conflict in the Middle East during one of the lectures in 2009, Professor Andre du Pisani cautioned that the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction for any nation is not only the missiles or nuclear munitions but the hungry and angry young people. It is thus advisable that states always keep the hunger and anger of the youth in constant check.
As much as fascism and western neoliberal policies played a destructive role in the Arab states, angry youth also played a fundamental role leading to conflict in the region. The anger of the youth and their rebellion against authoritarianism and oppressive state machinery eased the ability of the western powers to enforce regime changes in the region. The West capitalised on youth displeasure with oppressive state policies, outdated religious norms, and beliefs that were no longer commensurate with contemporary social and political dynamics in the world.
In Tunisia, demonstrations erupted in the town of Sidi Bouzid after Mohamed Bouazizi, a 26-six-year-old university graduate and a street vendor who could not find a job, refused to obey an eviction order from the police and asserted to remain on the spot where he sold his fruit. He threatened to take his life by setting himself on fire, should the police compel him to vacate the place. Due to the ignorance, aggressive and oppressive nature of the police, they went ahead to confiscate the fruits and vegetables he was selling, for allegedly operating without a license. The angry young man fulfilled his promise by setting himself ablaze and died in hospital after. This incident sparked anger among the youth countrywide. In solidarity with Mohamed, youth demonstrations erupted uncontrollably and violence was inevitable. President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali had to flee the country after two decades in power.
In South Africa, there is what some refer to as the Malemalisation of the youth, a concept derived from Julius Malema, the former president of the ANC Youth League and the current president of the Economic Freedom Fighters, who appears angry and frustrated with the state and advocates for improvements in the plight of young, poor, marginalised and jobless, through nationalisation of the means of production and economic empowerment. Recently, angry youth demonstrated violently, setting universities and public facilities alight due to their discontentment with the university fees and other state policies. Similar movements were experienced in Namibia.
In Namibia, the level of anger is frightening. If you want to ruin your day, visit a social network and you are met with unscrupulous and violent utterances from frustrated youth directed to the state officials. We are now in a society that blames every incident on the state. It appears that they are constantly angry, no joy even for a minute, and they find solace in insults and immoral behaviour on social networks. They express anger and hatred towards the state and exchange brutal words and fierce confrontations between themselves. They show no remorse whatsoever in exchanging insults with people older enough to be their parents or grannies, calling them derogative names. Disappointingly, some elders see no problem in showing their aggression and ruthlessness towards the youth who appear unappreciative of their persona or responsibility bestowed upon them in society.
The anger in our society also manifests in the Monday newspapers. You are promised to read about the delinquencies of the weekends, committed mostly by the youth. These incidences are indicative of a frustrated, hungry and angry youth. Anger drives social disintegration, tribalism, racism, and disrespect for elders, xenophobia, gender intolerance, gender-based violence, alcohol abuse and even suicide. It may be argued that the main source of anger that characterises society today is the economic setting. Economic hardships among the youth force them to find consolation in unproductive activities and as such respect for elders and respect human life and dignity is lost. Violence and political instability is the ultimate price paid for economically frustrated youth.
This state of disunity, anger and hunger render us vulnerable to external opportunists masquerading as investors, collaborating with state officials and some youth. Looting of our natural resources will excel under this fragmented society. This is what happened in some Arab states and other fragmented states in Africa.
Although there are alarming signs of discontentment, Namibians ought not to resort to the extremes. There are policies aimed at addressing the plight of the youth and subsequently reverse the anger among the youth. A successful implementation of the highly pro-poor and youth orientated programmes in the Harambee Prosperity Plan would be a catalyst in addressing the current situation which is a serious threat to peace and stability. The youth must thus remain united and Harambee towards prosperity.
*Risto Nakanyala is studying towards a Masters of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Namibia.