Of late we have been harsh on the third president of our Republic with regard to our criticism. This may be attributed to the fact that we have evolved, as opposed to the level of our needs in 1990, or say 2000.
President Hage Gotfried Geingob has so far been treading on promising ground. He has either read Machiavelli purposefully and with intent, or has connected to a deity. The latter becomes more plausible, especially when one considers how he exited the stage and returned without the help of many.
He gave practical meaning to the Biblical message of ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…’ Coupled with his principle of inclusivity, he seems to believe in Machiavelli’s hymn that one ought to keep one’s friends close and one’s enemies even closer.
In political science we were taught that a tsar should never be praised while in power. However, there is a difference between praise and acknowledgement. In the short months since he ascended to power, Geingob has tried hard to instil a culture that the interests of our Republic should supersede our narrow tribal and selfish individual interests.
The speed with which he started his journey seems to suggest, that no man should regard himself as the eternal occupant of State House, as each generation at the critical juncture produces extraordinary individuals.
We might not agree with the president all the time, but it is the contention of this author that we allow him sufficient space to carry out the task, and constructively advise him. Criticism has proven to be a much-needed thrust to spur leaders forward and keep them on their toes, especially if genuine and constructive.
Yes, we criticised the founding and the second presidents, but something seems to suggest that we have gone a level higher in our attempt to ridicule every attempt by the sitting president. After all, we should be alive to the fact that he has been in the highest office for less than seven months!
We have seen what blind emotions did to South Africa during the Eight days in September (Frank Chikane). Our country created a precedent, whereby the previous two presidents completed their terms, and this time around should not be an exception, especially if a president not only has to implement his vision but also carry on with projects of his predecessors.
If what the president donated is taxpayer’s money, why can’t the opposition parties donate their part of the taxpayer’s money?
The president did make mistakes since taking office, especially in the appointment of certain members of his administration. For example, the Ministry of Poverty Eradication needs a person with not only a sociological, philosophical understanding and research skills, but also a realisation that poverty reduction is intertwined with good governance, a strong health sector, good education, equal access to opportunities, etc., especially considering the fact that our country’s morality rate spiralled out of control under the watchful eyes of contemporary church leaders since 1990.
Or the appointment of advisors that are out of touch with the grassroots – except for Albertus Aochamub. I, however, believe the president has time to correct that which proves not to work and streamline the various departments, so as to achieve economic freedom in our lifetime. Ten years, after all, is a long time.
Leaders are there to inspire, which inspiration at times takes root after a period. John Maxwell teaches us that a true leader’s actions need to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. A leader is nothing but a dealer in hope, said Napoleon Bonaparte. The president cannot do it alone. He needs all of us to play our part too. After all, it is not his country alone, but all of ours.
In conclusion, it is my view that we need to join the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe in saying, “Hage tunana, Hage tulela” towards an all-inclusive future for all Namibians. It is the duty of us all to ensure that President Hage Geingob is accorded the chance that history bestowed on him to complete what he started without fear, and to move this nation towards shared national goals.
* Joshua Razikua Kaumbi holds BA Political Science (UNAM), LLB (STELL) and is a practising and admitted attorney. The opinions expressed here are his own.