Youth must stand up and be counted
01 October 2020 | Opinion
Young Namibians have historically been the torchbearers of every revolution we have come to experience.
In fact, that’s the story everywhere in Africa. Nelson Mandela, Yoweri Museveni and Muamar Gaddafi were all youthful when they helped oust repressive regimes in their countries.
For way too long, young people in Namibia had sat back and watch as elders take the lead and grab every leadership position in their sight.
They share these jobs among themselves like toys – apparently as a reward for their heroics when they were able-bodied men and women.
For too long, young people have been used as foot soldiers for the elders in political organisations.
They distribute campaign pamphlets and receive a pat on the back, accompanied by promises that they would one day have their bite on the cherry.
Jesus Christ started speaking truth to power in the temple at the age of 12 and when he died at 33, he was the most powerful man on earth. Pontius Pilate, who presided over the trial of Jesus and ordered his crucifixion, was older but today he is only remembered for his demonic acts against the youthful saviour.
As the 2020 regional and local authority elections loom large, young Namibians must step up, stand up and be counted.
Namibia belongs to all those who live in it and no age-group has a monopoly over contestation for political office.
In fact, that’s the story everywhere in Africa. Nelson Mandela, Yoweri Museveni and Muamar Gaddafi were all youthful when they helped oust repressive regimes in their countries.
For way too long, young people in Namibia had sat back and watch as elders take the lead and grab every leadership position in their sight.
They share these jobs among themselves like toys – apparently as a reward for their heroics when they were able-bodied men and women.
For too long, young people have been used as foot soldiers for the elders in political organisations.
They distribute campaign pamphlets and receive a pat on the back, accompanied by promises that they would one day have their bite on the cherry.
Jesus Christ started speaking truth to power in the temple at the age of 12 and when he died at 33, he was the most powerful man on earth. Pontius Pilate, who presided over the trial of Jesus and ordered his crucifixion, was older but today he is only remembered for his demonic acts against the youthful saviour.
As the 2020 regional and local authority elections loom large, young Namibians must step up, stand up and be counted.
Namibia belongs to all those who live in it and no age-group has a monopoly over contestation for political office.
Classifieds