Friday marks 24 years of our independence. Looking back over the years, this is indeed a defining moment for our country as we look back at our history in search of solutions that continue to face our common good.
As we reflect back, Namibia is still a work in progress with various obstacles we face every day. Here are some of the excerpts from New Era’s Facebook page on what the youth think are some of the things the country has accomplished, what has not been accomplished yet over the years, whether people celebrate Independence Day in a right way/manner, and how they think Independence Day should be celebrated.
Mooeckonelly Justice Sitabi (Mooeckonelly): “ I think 90% have been achieved already in the sense that the infrastructure and social well-being of each deserving citizen of the land of the brave is equally shared on a silver plate i.e. Sporting, Academics & Law Enforcement. On the other hand, as we celebrating our 24th anniversary, I suggest this year 24% discount on all goods and next year 25%, then 26% and so on including petrol.”
Ndeyapo Kalamba Nghifikwa (Ndeyapo): “We have peace and we are enjoying freedom as a country. Academically, we are doing well too because the government has introduced free education but we still need to do more improvements by building more schools, especially in rural areas where children are travelling long distance to go to school , no electricity and no clean water. Also Bible study should be introduced in schools, especially at low level as this will help children to know God at a younger age, which will reduce crimes in the future. More clinics should be build country wide. We need doctors in every state hospital as well as build separate prisons for murders and price of food should be reduced. We should celebrate our freedom as one Namibia one nation, not favouring one party.”
Okati Amadhila Benjamin Shilongo (Okati): “All that needs to happen is for our politicians to start really caring for the masses and really doing their jobs, and I mean really doing their work. Only when they do, will we not have people dying in hospitals because they were neglected by nurses who are by the way underpaid. Why are the masses complaining of being underpaid? Because our politicians didn’t care enough to prevent crazy prices of land, houses and food. If our politicians cared we wouldn’t have unaccomplished things, we wouldn’t hear of; “there aren’t any resources” because the truth is that, with all the resources the land has and our population size, there shouldn’t be anyone having to go to bed on an empty stomach in Namibia. Schooling should be free from grade zero to university.”
Cheetah Koto-Keni Gwa-Niipindi NaKwathangundu (Cheetah): “There is still a big gap between classes in Namibia “poor living poor and rich getting richer”. The government is helping well in education, even though those who are granted help are not taking it serious. Our politicians are not being honest to the nation “too much corruption in them”. The nation maintained peace and stability even though there are many challenges being faced every day.”
Shiwa Chantelle Polly (Shiwa): “Eradication of poverty and inequality are some of the issues that yet need to be sorted out. We do love our country and the national day is a sign that everyone can enjoy freedom, peace, happiness and prosperity. I think each year as we celebrate, we should have a special theme to highlight on, for instance this year could maybe be gender based violence and gender equality in the society, etc.”
Immz Dada Kayambu (Immz): “The only thing our government fulfilled is when the Head of State, Honourable Hifikepunye Pohamba, answered the public requests to do something about the Gender Based Violence in Namibia by calling up the National Prayers Day Countrywide. That is all.”