Elvis Muraranganda
In 1935, Austrian physicist and one of the fathers of quantum mechanics Erwin Shrödinger devised a metaphor arguing that when a cat is placed in a box with something that can kill it, the only way to know the status of the cat after a while, is to open the box.
Anything else besides that absolute truth is a fallacy, lie and noise.
However, a counter-argument to this world-renowned theory would be that before the experiment can take place, the truth is already known, in that, placing a cat with anything that can kill it, will most certainly kill it, and any other argument outside that reality will be deliberate.
As a nation, we find ourselves with undisputed knowledge of certain truths and realities but choose not to believe and hence subject whoever is at the receiving end of our agendas to the excruciating process of humiliation embedded on a platform of lies and fallacies.
Recently, avid current affairs pundits had their tongues wagging on the recent strong insinuations that President Hage Geingob has unambiguously directed that locals should not interfere in the affairs, operations and administration of the green hydrogen project venture entered into between the government and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy in the south of our country.
In quenching the thirst of pre-conceived curiosities, the bulletin drew backlash, harsh unkind words and outright accusations of elitism, discrimination and of course, corruption from the usual circles.
As sound reasoning would have it at any interval, it is evident that despite the striking and booming truth and realities in our minds and eyes, we have rather opted to apply Schrodinger’s cat’s theory for our interpretation of some of the rhetoric of the head of State.
This sad state of affairs has been true for some time now, including that time when the circles accused the President of being heartless and far from the plights in the education sector earlier this year following the dismal performance of the learners who sat for critical exams.
The counter-argument from this end during that period was let us first take a measured catechising of President Geingob, the rhetoric and actions on the various subjects and qualify that against our interpretation of any other remark.
The accusation of a heartless President as was being advanced by some was proven to be false and baseless.
Regarding the green hydrogen conversation, let us be reminded that on 8 March 2022, President Geingob during a meeting with the president of Nudo described green hydrogen as one of the frontiers of Namibia’s economic recovery plan while putting the interests of Namibia first.
During the 2023 State of the Nation Address, President Geingob warned that although Namibia welcomes interest in the mineral sector, both local and foreign investors who contravene the law will be dealt with accordingly.
The head of State also noted that the Hyphen project in the //Kharas region will commence with a feasibility study.
We should not forget that, in April this year, President Geingob went to Lüderitz to join Green-H2 Namibia which at the time was conducting stakeholder engagements with the locals for a technical and socio-economic study in the community for the envisaged Green Hydrogen Energy Project slated for the Tsau //Khaeb National Park.
While at Lüderitz, President Geingob called on those who feel excluded to come and engage in discussions and to understand how every person can fit into the bigger scheme of things.
Furthermore, during the ceremony of the Feasibility and Implementation Agreement (FIA) with Hyphen Hydrogen, President Geingob also stressed that the ultimate goal is to create jobs for Namibians.
These few accounts as a reference here cover only a short period of fewer than 24 months, one can retort further with other strong cases to dispute the interpretation of those who claim that the President does not want any involvement of the locals in the green hydrogen projects.
From conducting feasibility studies to the awarding of scholarships in this field of study and to employment creation, all are being pioneered under the guidance of President Geingob. It is, therefore, difficult and discombobulating for anyone to believe that the head of State would ever push an agenda to sideline and deny Namibians a say and a place as far as green hydrogen is concerned.
The interest of President Geingob in the matter has always been transparent, accountable and progressive for the Namibian people as per the track record of the green hydrogen history to date.
Therefore, to believe that the Head of the State now wants to cut our Namibians for some hidden interest is juvenile.
If the few cases mentioned above are anything to go by, there is a need for admission that once more we got it all wrong and are standing outside the box arguing whether it is or it is not while covering the truth on one side.
*Elvis Muraranganda is an alumnus of the China-Africa Press Centre fellowship programme, a media personality with over 13 years experience and a and a communications consultant.