The forgotten legends

The names Sam Nujoma, Robert Mugabe, Nelson Mandela, Kenneth Kaunda, Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere roll off the tongue as some of Africa’s most respected figures. Along with many other iconic statesmen, these leaders have been hailed by all and sundry for their role as freedom fighters. It is their contributions, along with the sacrifices made by our forefathers, that is guided us toward our freedom. Today we have freedom of movement. Citizens have the right to expression and association, among many other basic freedoms that we enjoy today. In the Land of the Brave, many gallant sons and daughters fought fearlessly to dislodge colonial and apartheid rule and to break the chains of oppression and discrimination. Blood was shed during this painful period of our history. It is a battle never to be forgotten. However, has much been done to remember our past and learn about the ongoing legacy of the struggle for equal rights and justice for all? Have some memories and personal sacrifices not sadly fallen by the wayside? Has the true history of all our struggle legends been documented? Some of Namibia's unsung and forgotten heroes and heroines are literally dying for recognition, because it is often only when they die that we sit up and take notice. This week, struggle veterans who were incarcerated at the notorious South African prison Robben Island, complained that they remain unrecognised and are not appreciated by society. Instead, they claim, the accolades are heaped on Cabinet ministers and other senior officials in government. These former prisoners lead simple lives out of the public gaze, yet their past heroics remain unsung and forgotten. Why? Their history is not well-documented and is relatively unknown to broader society. This is a sad state of affairs. We have not penned their memoirs and that is why some of these veterans’ remain unheard of in schools and other institutions. We have to appreciate at all times the efforts of those who lost their youth fighting for a good cause. After all it is only the past that can help shape our future. It cannot be correct that they are honoured after death with State funerals and other accolades. They need to feel honoured and appreciated in the twilight of their lives. The time to celebrate them, as is fitting in the case of even our family elders, is when they are living and breathing among us.