We are at a crossroads
I remember when I turned 29. The battle scars were starting to show. There were hard decisions. The hangovers of 'nice times' and the gay abandon of youth was giving way to an understanding that focus and vision were required to move forward.
It was time to finally put away the thinking of a child, and move towards doing what was best to leave a legacy that could be taken forward by the generations to follow. So too young democracies, like ours, are faced with a crossroads, where the euphoria of political freedom must give way to something more tangible and concrete.
History, as glorious as it may be, must give way to a path which begins to nurture self-sufficiency and economic liberation.
No doubt, Namibians have been patient. It is 29 years since they tasted what many thought impossible. And yet, the apron strings of dependence and the susceptibility to external shocks, because of a lack of industrialisation and value-addition, remain.
Proud Namibians yesterday hoisted the country's flag high and looked back to how we got here.
But more is required. As youth, we must learn what fairweather friends are, who are only out to use and abuse us; and that what is required is to rise above any kind of dependency, so we take our future into our own hands. Namibia is at a crossroads - this is undeniable.
The honeymoon of youngness has given way to renewed struggle and strife. Elitism, favouritism and downright greed have filled the coffers of the few, while the majority amble on towards an uncertain future.
Past glories are no longer enough. Past accomplishments, as immense as they were, in order to gain our independence, need to give way to a new vision and call to become a nation that truly nurtures the dreams of all. It has been a tedious journey so far, we need to re-energise to push on.
A Namibia - blessed with so much - cannot continue to struggle to take care of her own.
It was time to finally put away the thinking of a child, and move towards doing what was best to leave a legacy that could be taken forward by the generations to follow. So too young democracies, like ours, are faced with a crossroads, where the euphoria of political freedom must give way to something more tangible and concrete.
History, as glorious as it may be, must give way to a path which begins to nurture self-sufficiency and economic liberation.
No doubt, Namibians have been patient. It is 29 years since they tasted what many thought impossible. And yet, the apron strings of dependence and the susceptibility to external shocks, because of a lack of industrialisation and value-addition, remain.
Proud Namibians yesterday hoisted the country's flag high and looked back to how we got here.
But more is required. As youth, we must learn what fairweather friends are, who are only out to use and abuse us; and that what is required is to rise above any kind of dependency, so we take our future into our own hands. Namibia is at a crossroads - this is undeniable.
The honeymoon of youngness has given way to renewed struggle and strife. Elitism, favouritism and downright greed have filled the coffers of the few, while the majority amble on towards an uncertain future.
Past glories are no longer enough. Past accomplishments, as immense as they were, in order to gain our independence, need to give way to a new vision and call to become a nation that truly nurtures the dreams of all. It has been a tedious journey so far, we need to re-energise to push on.
A Namibia - blessed with so much - cannot continue to struggle to take care of her own.
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Namibian Sun
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