Albertina Nakale
President Hage Geingob has called on Namibians to pursue values that unite them, adding fostering patriotism will lead to higher heights of success and shared prosperity.
According to Geingob, over the years, drive for nationhood and peace has progressed beyond reconciliation and that the nation sought to nurture and develop a narrative of national unity, denoted by concepts such as ‘One Namibia, One Nation’, Harambee and no Namibian should feel left out.
Geingob made the remarks in a speech read by Vice President Nangolo Mbumba during the launch of the Nationhood and National Pride (NNP) programme at State House yesterday attended by among others Founding President Sam Nujoma and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
“These concepts symbolise a call for all Namibians to uphold the intrinsic values that have helped us emerge and overcome historical trials and tribulations, during and after our struggle for independence,” said Geingob.
“It is a way to exorcise from our communities the ethnic and tribal strains that were engrained into our nation’s psyche.
As the head of our household, I have vowed to fight against these retrogressive tendencies and prevent their manifestation in our Namibian House.”
He called on citizens to pursue values that inspire and encourage Namibians to treat one another with respect and dignity irrespective of their gender, race, religion or political affiliation.
Furthermore, he called on the need to pursue values that call on citizens to hold hands and work as one people, to strive together to overcome common challenges in order to take Namibia to higher heights of success and shared prosperity.
He extended an invitation to all Namibians, be it individuals or communities, private sector, civil society and non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities across the length and breadth of the country, schools and educational institutions, the youth and the elderly, to take part in this journey.
“Let all of us hold hands and support this national initiative and make it our duty to further advance the noble goals and objectives that this programme aims to achieve. Furthermore, I encourage all Namibians to foster a strong spirit of patriotism in our societies. Patriotism is paramount to building a strong and resilient nation. With patriotism, not only will we develop a greater sense of unity as a country but when citizens express their patriotic feelings, they spur one another to achieve great things, even in the face of adversity,” said the head of state.
These two strategic documents were approved by Cabinet at its 14th 2020 decision-making meeting in order to give effect to the implementation of the NNP programme under the custodianship of the information ministry.
The rationale to develop the national initiative is to among others, enhance the spirit of nationhood and build a sense of national pride in all Namibian citizens, instil civic values and to further consolidate unity, peace and stability.
The campaign also aims to address issues related to social ills and development, promote the values of our Namibian culture and traditions and to protect and care for the natural environment, fauna and flora, while promoting Namibia as a preferred business and tourist destination.
The NNP document sets out a clear vision, mission and values statements that together express the aspirations of Namibian citizens.
Cognizant of the achievements and also the many mitigating concerns that need to be addressed over the course of the next five years.
The document defines critical issues, strategies, measures, outcomes and goals to which stakeholders have agreed and committed themselves.
These are reflected in the 12 key national commitments that Namibia has to implement over the next five years.
Geingob said the implementation of the 12 key commitments will result in a strong sense of patriotism among the citizenry and individuals, as Namibians collectively strive for the betterment of the nation.
-anakale@nepc.com.na
Compatriots… Information minister Peya Mushelenga with Vice President Nangolo Mbumba.
Photo: Emmency Nuukala