EDITORIAL: Habits that must remain in 2024

Patriotism and loyalty – once the bedrock of our existence as a nation – are fast fading. It’s quite easy to back this claim. In the 1990s, when independence and its euphoria were new phenomena in town, everyone was buzzing about the country.To put on a shirt with a Namibian flag was a badge of honour. If the national anthem played on radio, listeners would immediately morph into solemn mode. We were simply in awe that we finally had a country that we all dreamt of – free, and driven into the future by no one else but us.Today the picture has faded into grey. The line between loyalty to the country and political parties has become thin and blurred. More party flags are hoisted on houses and trees, than the national flag. People are more desperate to be seen in party regalia than in Namibian colours. Car bumper stickers, social media profile photos are all in party colours. The loyalty to political parties is motivated by self-preservation. It’s about favours such as jobs, public contracts and immunity from accountability. Where there was once a focus on the country's shared future, the pursuit of personal gain has taken precedence. The lifetime commitment to the collective well-being and prosperity of the collective has taken a back seat. The current behavior does not inspires citizens to contribute positively to the development of society, whether through civic engagement, volunteerism, or simply being law-abiding citizens. As collective pride and responsibility fade, communities have started suffering from reduced social cohesion, leading to greater polarisation and individualism.

EDITORIAL: Habits that must remain in 2024

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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EDITORIAL: Habits that must remain in 2024

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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