WITH the implementation of Resolution 435 and the subsequent drawing up of our Constitution, at independence Namibia became the role model for a democratic state.
A lot of good, positive changes accompanied these achievements, but then again there were also some negative elements that evolved.
During the previous dispensation it was beyond one’s wildest imagination that the next generation of kids would ever have the opportunity to receive education at those posh, upper-class schools in existence then, but today it is common practice. With this however comes the exposure to different cultures and behaviour. As a result some of our highly talented kids turn off at the wrong side of the road.
In today’s life the rights of children are highly recognized and protected by virtue of our Constitution. In addition to this the abolishment of corporal punishment at schools as well as the establishment of a child welfare office within the Namibian Police Force are instrumental in protecting children from physical abuse. Unfortunately some children started to abuse rather than appreciate these privileges and as a result you will now find “strict children with obedient parents/teachers”.
Working most of the time on contract for a minimum basic wage had been all means of income for our elders to put bread on the table. Those were tough times but it at least taught one to value and appreciate every little bit that life offered you.
With the implementation of the economic empowerment policy more Namibians grew into successful entrepreneurs, thus creating more job opportunities.
No one can deny the fact this has positively stimulated our economy, but it also provides room for corruption, civil court cases/interdicts and waste of taxpayer’s money during the tendering/procurement process.
The cruelest and most inhuman sentence imposed prior to independence was the death penalty. It must have been sad to lose your loved one in such a manner and who even sometimes were denied the right to a fair trial for the purported crime.
With the abolishment of the death penalty and constitutional guarantee to the right to a fair trial the aspect of humanity and dignity has now been addressed. It can however be safely speculated that in a smaller sense this could have contributed to the recent increase in the occurrence of gender-based violence. For some of these would-be perpetrators the assurance of having access to state funded legal aid and also the thought of “only going to prison” if found guilty might just be some of the factors encouraging some to perform these evil, criminal deeds.
Be that as it may however, we as Namibians should nevertheless be grateful for being so privileged to live in such a stable and peaceful country, having one of the strongest constitutions in the world that guarantees and protects almost all our basic human rights including the right to life.
Till next time, Eewa!