Geingob asks for national spirit of love this Christmas

President Hage Geingob’s Christmas wish list is for all Namibians to adopt a zero tolerance attitude towards violence against women and children, to remain safe on the roads and to enjoy the celebrations moderately.

“This is the season of peace and the season of love and I call on all Namibians to adopt a zero tolerance attitude towards Gender Based Violence and abuse of children. Let us use this Christmas as a stepping stone towards turning a new leaf in our treatment of women and children,” he said in his annual festive season message today.

He said all Namibians should “exemplify the spirit of love” this season.

The president urged Namibians to ensure that women and children who are “the jewels of our nation”, should be kept out of harm’s way, not only this season but at all times.

“I do not want to receive any distressing news about the abuse of women and children during this festive season,” he said.

“Let us use this Christmas as a stepping stone towards turning a new leaf in our treatment of women and children,” he added.

Geingob said it is time for Namibians to think beyond their nuclear families and extend a spirit of appreciation and love to the “national family, the Namibian House and ensure that we look out for one another.”

He urged drivers to “Harambee towards road safety by taking a united and committed approach” towards ensuring that everyone can safely use the roads.

The president cautioned that while this time of the year is marked by joyful celebrations “we should avoid the abuse of alcohols and other intoxicating substances during this time as these activities pose a risk to human life.”

He warned that over-indulging could lead to “senseless violence, avoidable accidents and unnecessary injuries and deaths.”

He asked that Namibians acknowledge and appreciate the work of those in uniform this festive season including emergency personnel, health workers and others who are “sacrificing time away from families to ensure that lives are protected and saved during this time.”

Reflecting on the economic woes of the past year, Geingob concluded with a message of hope.

“Although we have encountered economic difficulties and setbacks during the year 2017, Namibia continues to make headway towards attaining its developmental objectives and we look forward to a rebound in fortunes in 2018.”
STAFF REPORTER