Changing our materialistic society
Namibia is still a nation ravaged by economic inequalities and where unemployment is stubbornly high on top of marked challenges in the education and public healthcare. Not many Namibians are able to realise that present-day patriotism means struggle against poverty and social injustices. Those in powerful positions seem to be doing little to ensure a truly free, just and equal society. We live in a country where politicians don't want to be the servants of the people any longer. The master mentality attitude is now what many of our politicians are known for and have allowed personal characteristics, including ego and greed to get in the way. What our country needs is moral and principled leadership capable of bringing lifelong changes to our communities. Retired Anglican Bishop Shihala Hamupembe put it perfectly at the memorial service of the late struggle icon Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo last week in Ondangwa. The man of the cloth, among others, lamented the desire for money and decried the culture of materialism, which seems to have a telling effect on society. Another speaker and former Prime Minister Nahas Angula also discouraged mourners from abusing the ruling party for personal gain. “We should not be the victims of materialism in the name of Swapo,” Angula warned at the weekend. It is sad that that the growing inequalities in our society are directly fuelled by corruption and other forms of malfeasance. We can surely become better Namibians if we heed the calls against materialism and untenable goals of instant gratification. We really can't have a situation whereby the majority of our people are trapped in victimhood, living miserable lives and are left with a bitter taste in their mouths at the end of the day. This is definitely not what our nation's founders and heroes sacrificed their lives for. The legacy of our liberation heroes must be sustained and our public services should be characterised by responsible and accountable management. Our leaders and every single Namibian have a moral obligation to uphold sound values and accountability to bring about the critical positive changes so desperately needed in our communities.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article