EDITORIAL: Liberation stories belong in history books
In the same way that citizens cannot eat constitutions, they also cannot eat struggle credentials and stories of a ‘glorious’ past.
As the 2024 general elections approach, it is once again time for Namibians to actively debate what kind of leadership is required. And as we gear up to hear what the different parties have to offer, the time is also ripe to move our politics beyond the endless meanderings into the past, which often focus on who did what in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
These history lessons should remain in school curricula and must not be shoved down the throats of potential voters. What is at stake today is the reality facing communities and regions. What we do not want to hear about is what you or your party did decades ago.
Good for you if you contributed to the struggle. Good for you if you made a difference in the lives of people. Well done. But don’t expect undying loyalty from those whose bellies remain empty, while Namibia struggles to take care of its 2.5 million people.
It’s a shame and a tragedy that a country blessed with so much still has families going to bed with empty stomachs. We need ideas and tangible solutions for issues that confront our citizens on a daily basis. Let’s stop frolicking in the rivers of self-glorification.
As the 2024 general elections approach, it is once again time for Namibians to actively debate what kind of leadership is required. And as we gear up to hear what the different parties have to offer, the time is also ripe to move our politics beyond the endless meanderings into the past, which often focus on who did what in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
These history lessons should remain in school curricula and must not be shoved down the throats of potential voters. What is at stake today is the reality facing communities and regions. What we do not want to hear about is what you or your party did decades ago.
Good for you if you contributed to the struggle. Good for you if you made a difference in the lives of people. Well done. But don’t expect undying loyalty from those whose bellies remain empty, while Namibia struggles to take care of its 2.5 million people.
It’s a shame and a tragedy that a country blessed with so much still has families going to bed with empty stomachs. We need ideas and tangible solutions for issues that confront our citizens on a daily basis. Let’s stop frolicking in the rivers of self-glorification.
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Namibian Sun
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