Food security should unite us, not divide us
OPINION
Any individual, group, community, or traditional authority that takes the initiative to produce food and contribute to national food security must be commended and supported.
At a time when the threats of hunger, climate change and global supply chain disruptions loom large, every effort to boost agricultural productivity and self-reliance should be celebrated.
Namibia needs farmers, cooperatives and grassroots innovation across all its regions, north to south, west to east.
However, while encouraging and investing in such vital work, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of tribal labelling or ethnic branding, especially in matters of national economic interest.
When trucks carrying food are publicly labelled with the name of a specific ethnic group, it sends a message that contradicts the spirit of national unity. This practice, though perhaps unintended, risks creating the perception that such economic ventures are exclusive to one tribe or region. That is not only unwise for business, but it is also dangerous for national cohesion.
Economic empowerment and food production must never be packaged as tribal achievements.
They must be embraced and promoted as national progress. Food security should never be politicised or tribalised. Instead, it should inspire unity, partnerships and pride across the country.
A maize field in Zambezi, a vegetable garden in Kunene, or a poultry project in Omaheke contributes equally to feeding the Namibian nation, not just a particular group.
Let us remember the powerful words of Mozambican revolutionary Samora Machel, who once said: “For the nation to live, the tribe must die.”
His message was not a rejection of culture or heritage. It was a warning against identity politics and tribal branding that poison democracy, fracture social harmony and slow down national development.
His words ring louder today as we navigate the delicate balance between cultural pride and inclusive nation-building.
For all of Namibia
Namibia’s strength lies in our unity.
In agriculture, business, education and governance, we must promote initiatives in a way that invites collaboration and solidarity, not suspicion or division.
The identity of a farm should be Namibian. The success of a food truck should be national. The face of progress should reflect all our people, not just a tribe, but a nation.
Let us support all food producers equally, but let us also be vigilant. When development is labelled ethnically, it risks becoming exclusive. When empowerment is linked to tribe, it loses its democratic value. Let us reject this trend and instead champion a Namibia where all citizens can contribute, benefit and feel proud of every harvest.
Only then can we say, with confidence and pride: the tribe has died, and the nation lives.
*Simon Kanepolo Amunime is actively involved in youth empowerment and educational outreach. He holds a certificate in youth leadership development, dual degrees in information technology, and honours degrees in project management, business management, and public governance. He is currently completing his MBA thesis in public sector management.
At a time when the threats of hunger, climate change and global supply chain disruptions loom large, every effort to boost agricultural productivity and self-reliance should be celebrated.
Namibia needs farmers, cooperatives and grassroots innovation across all its regions, north to south, west to east.
However, while encouraging and investing in such vital work, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of tribal labelling or ethnic branding, especially in matters of national economic interest.
When trucks carrying food are publicly labelled with the name of a specific ethnic group, it sends a message that contradicts the spirit of national unity. This practice, though perhaps unintended, risks creating the perception that such economic ventures are exclusive to one tribe or region. That is not only unwise for business, but it is also dangerous for national cohesion.
Economic empowerment and food production must never be packaged as tribal achievements.
They must be embraced and promoted as national progress. Food security should never be politicised or tribalised. Instead, it should inspire unity, partnerships and pride across the country.
A maize field in Zambezi, a vegetable garden in Kunene, or a poultry project in Omaheke contributes equally to feeding the Namibian nation, not just a particular group.
Let us remember the powerful words of Mozambican revolutionary Samora Machel, who once said: “For the nation to live, the tribe must die.”
His message was not a rejection of culture or heritage. It was a warning against identity politics and tribal branding that poison democracy, fracture social harmony and slow down national development.
His words ring louder today as we navigate the delicate balance between cultural pride and inclusive nation-building.
For all of Namibia
Namibia’s strength lies in our unity.
In agriculture, business, education and governance, we must promote initiatives in a way that invites collaboration and solidarity, not suspicion or division.
The identity of a farm should be Namibian. The success of a food truck should be national. The face of progress should reflect all our people, not just a tribe, but a nation.
Let us support all food producers equally, but let us also be vigilant. When development is labelled ethnically, it risks becoming exclusive. When empowerment is linked to tribe, it loses its democratic value. Let us reject this trend and instead champion a Namibia where all citizens can contribute, benefit and feel proud of every harvest.
Only then can we say, with confidence and pride: the tribe has died, and the nation lives.
*Simon Kanepolo Amunime is actively involved in youth empowerment and educational outreach. He holds a certificate in youth leadership development, dual degrees in information technology, and honours degrees in project management, business management, and public governance. He is currently completing his MBA thesis in public sector management.
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