If NNN fails, we all fail

Before anything else and after all is said and done, we are Namibians first. There is a season for party politics, but since that time round has passed, now is the time for unity, progress, patriotism and Ubuntu. Namibia, like many other African countries, has once again proven its democratic strength through peaceful national elections last year. Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emerged victorious, and with her presidency comes a renewed opportunity to build a stronger nation. There is no longer room for pointing fingers. Regardless of where we come from politically, it is time to stand together, work together, and build together.This is the moment for Namibians to rally behind their leader, not because of party loyalty, but because the success of her presidency is the success of our nation. If Nandi-Ndaitwah fails, we all fail as a nation.And so, the question we must ask ourselves is simple: Are we truly doing everything we can to contribute to Namibia’s progress? Are we engaging each other to solve problems before assigning blame? Are we bringing ideas to the table, or just criticisms?We cannot all serve in Cabinet, nor can we all sit in parliament. But every citizen holds the responsibility to support national development beyond party colours. When a country is planning its future, there is no place for red eyes, division or resentment. When leadership is inclusive, the expectation must be that we respond with constructive input, not political hostility.A season of unity Of course, oxygen must reach everyone equally, and if it doesn’t, we should not resort to pointing fingers, we should bring solutions. “Play the ball, not the person,” our late president Hage Geingob said; may his soul rest in peace and remain with us.Politics, like seasons, come and go. But patriotism must remain constant. Once elections end, we all walk under one Namibian flag – One Namibia, One Nation. Our lawmaking chambers should not turn into a theatre of disruption and mimicry of foreign political drama. Parliament is not a stage for shouting and personal attacks. It is a sacred chamber for reasoned debate, lawmaking and leadership in the national interest.I was surprised to hear some politicians attacking each other and using terms like &#039;Judas&#039;. This is cheap politics. We should not label one another as &#039;Judas&#039; or &#039;enemies&#039; simply because of political disagreements or perceived favouritism. Our true legacy will be better defined by what we achieve for Namibia, not by the party we belonged to.Madam President has already taken bold steps, responding to the voices of the youth by appointing a middle-aged, more representative Cabinet. Today, over 80% of our lawmakers are youth or middle-aged. This shall be the people’s government, and so, if it fails, we, especially the youth, fail too.I wish President Nandi-Ndaitwah would consider appointing two or three ministers from other parties to promote inclusivity in decision-making and government service delivery. Nevertheless, she selected her Cabinet within the powers vested in her as president, and nothing prevents her from making changes in the future.Building a nation takes years of commitment, but destroying it takes only minutes of division. Let us not be known as a people who complain from the sidelines. Let us be remembered as a united generation that built Namibia.Let’s support our president. Let’s support each other. Let’s step beyond political lines and walk forward together.A nation isn’t built by individuals who only point out problems. It is built by those who rise to fix them in the spirit of patriotism.To our respected Madam President: Do not turn a blind eye to the ideas brought to your table and voices brought to your ears – for when good ideas are ignored, a new era of disillusionment begins. Listening is not a weakness; it is leadership in action. Let this be the era where every Namibian voice is not only heard but valued.*Stefanus Nashama is a specialist in public relations and political science. The views expressed here are entirely his own and do not reflect those of his employer. He can be contacted at: nashamasteve@gmail.com.

If NNN fails, we all fail

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-05

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If NNN fails, we all fail

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-05

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