Ubuntu reminds us that when your neighbour’s house is on fire, you do your best to help extinguish the fire, even if your hut is not immediately attached to the one in flames. This is because you are human and know the difficulties of living out in the open. You have been there, and would not wish it on anyone else. As such, you dash in and help where you can.
Ubuntu is described as reminding us that “I am what I am because of who we all are”. It is derived from the Nguni and Bantu languages.
There is no doubt Namibia is a country faced with many challenges. Equally, the country has massive potential to reach the lofty heights of success and shared prosperity, as no challenge is insurmountable.
Like many other nations, ours is built on a strong foundation of culture, hospitality and multi-ethnicity that shapes the peace and stability we enjoy today. But is this enough?
The culture of being indifferent, simply because you think the situation does not affect you directly, is as worse as being the aggressor or perpetrator of whatever oppression is being meted out against your countryman or woman.
Prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller is one of those widely quoted on the topic of indifference. After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazismand and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.
He said, “…First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me…”
It is interesting to note that since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, Namibians from all walks of life, including politicians, admirably added their voice to the fight against this health crisis.
Indeed, our shared value system encouraged us to be frontliners in our own right and tackle the pandemic with determination in order to save precious lives.
Namibians collectively show good cause and resolve to make our country and her people safe through this display of active citizenship. However, one is perplexed to ask what the future really holds in these times of uncertainty. Does patriotism, nationhood and national pride still resonate among the minds of Namibians in this day and age?
While launching the ‘My Namibia, My Country, My Pride’ campaign in 2011, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said: “Let us take pride in our national symbols because they are the threads that hold our social fabric together.
Let us form and cultivate a common Namibian identity, which is grounded in the values of hard work, mutual respect, tolerance and a burning desire to always do better.”
This rallying call came against the backdrop of what many considered as unpatriotic acts by some citizens.
Now, almost 15 years down the line, it is becoming clearer each day that patriotism has become wanting, hence there is a serious need to inspire and instil pride amongst Namibians in order for us to develop and prosper as a nation.
It is, therefore, critical that we forge an inclusive national identity that we use as a basis to advance and promote the general wellbeing of this great nation.
The spirit of patriotism will only remain if Namibians see each other and treat each other with respect and dignity, irrespective of our backgrounds and status in society.
Speak out for your sister, dear Namibians. Put out that fire that has engulfed your brother’s hut. Avoid being indifferent. Be patriotic. Shun divisive vices. Be on the good side of history.