EDITORIAL: Winning the battle of ideas
In the same way citizens cannot eat constitutions, they also cannot survive off struggle credentials and stories of a ‘glorious’ past.
As the Swapo congress approaches, it is imperative that a robust debate among candidates takes place – instead of the fake love affair that is dangled in our faces currently.
Some candidates have called for it, but Swapo would have none of it. Be that as it may, the tiny particles that have filtered through from the closed-door shenanigans so far are that some candidates are still telling the worn-out tales of 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 did decades ago, with very little emphasis on the challenges at hand.
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.
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 Swapo congress approaches, it is imperative that a robust debate among candidates takes place – instead of the fake love affair that is dangled in our faces currently.
Some candidates have called for it, but Swapo would have none of it. Be that as it may, the tiny particles that have filtered through from the closed-door shenanigans so far are that some candidates are still telling the worn-out tales of 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 did decades ago, with very little emphasis on the challenges at hand.
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.
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.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article