The loss of lives during the tragic Mariental accident is regrettable. The officers had given their all; dedication to the job at hand and a commitment to serve and protect Namibians to the end. 

They paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. With them were two civilians whose lives were also cut abruptly short.

It is only natural that when death comes knocking on our own doors, we are hesitant to open the door. If we had it our way; no one must be expected to bid farewell to a loved one is such fashion. But we reluctantly accept what we cannot change, for such is life.

In memory of the police and correctional services officers who perished in the horrific accident, New Era ran a headline stating that they were “Heroes to the end”. This was also to tie in with the death of two other officers who died in the line of duty elsewhere across the country.

Our headline stirred some reactions in some quarters. In one post, it was opined that accidents do not create heroes, but only victims.  

This is a narrow and somewhat myopic view of the bigger picture. It is the sacrifice of their lives in the line of duty that we continue paying homage to. It is the unselfish acts of being human enough to offer lifts to civilians during emergency situations that makes them heroes. 

Heroes come in different shapes and sizes. They are not necessarily your comic book interpretations of a man in a cape flying across the skyscrapers of a metropolitan area, solving crime and averting disorder before it happens.

By far, American actor and activist, Christopher Reeve put it best: “A hero is born among a hundred, a wise man is found among a thousand, but an accomplished one might not be found even among a hundred thousand men. A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”

Namibians from all walks of life converged at Katima Mulilo some two weeks ago to pay their respects to the nation’s gallant sons and daughters, who in their different ways, miniscule and gigantic, known and unknown, contributed and continue contributing towards the betterment of our nation. 

It is sometimes through what many perceive as ordinary acts, like those of these selfless officers, that catapult individuals to hero’s status. However, some within our midst, conveniently so, have chosen to choose certain parts of our history as their nexus to what constitutes a Namibian hero. 

This is disingenuous. 

History must never be distorted for political or other expediencies. It must be taught and told as it is, for like cream, the truth will always rise to the top.  

As such, all must be celebrated without one being seen as more important than the other, in fostering an inclusive and progressive Namibian house. 

Despite our differences, however, nothing should downplay the significance of Heroes’ Day, as many Namibians paid the ultimate prize with their lives, for their blood continues to water our freedom and pathway towards total economic emancipation. 

As such, it would be a travesty and spitting on the graves of those who dared to rise against the successive repugnant and oppressive regimes, to protect their motherland, Namibia.

Let us celebrate our heroes and heroines, in whatever form they come, be it committed parents who put everything on the line to raise their children; the men and women in uniform who ensure our safety and territorial integrity. The teachers; cleaners; street vendors and journalists, who have dedicated their lives to informing, educating and entertaining and our sports men and women, through whom we find inspiration when all appears to be doom and gloom – all deserve praise and honour. 

May all our heroes be counted.