This Sunday Namibians will celebrate 31 years of freedom and democracy. As has become customary over the years, many of us use this momentous occasion to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and how independence and democracy were achieved by our forefathers.
There is no doubt that the selfless legendary fathers and mothers who freed us from the yoke of apartheid and colonialism were committed to do so with the aim of creating a fair society where every citizen would prosper under a peaceful and stable environment. Now over three decades into independence, Namibia is by far a better country than it was 31 years ago.
It is true that some would seem to believe the last 31 years have hardly improved their lives. It is also fact that the challenges of delivering services to Namibians from all walks of life have not been a walk in the park.
Between 1990 and 2019 Namibia’s Human Development Index (HDI) increased by more than 11% from 0.581 to 0.646. Despite this improvement, the UN report shows that Namibia remains one of the most unequal societies in the world where more than 50% of the population earn less than N$1 400 per month.
Admittedly, a number of citizens are still languishing in abject poverty and do not know where their next meal will come from. Some are faced with serious water challenges and have to trek time-consuming distances to reach safe water points.
The country is also grappling with high unemployment. About 34% of our productive citizens are without jobs and this includes about 45% of young people.
Crime is another serious issue tearing apart our moral fabric. The spate of sexual gender-based violence has led to widespread anger and frustration, while activists are putting pressure on government, including coming up with awareness programmes and assisting domestic violence survivors.
It goes without saying that challenges facing Namibia are plenty, however, all of us as citizens have a moral obligation to see to it that there is fundamental change in our social and economic architecture.
The change we have seen in our lifetime has been enormous compared to the time under the repressive apartheid regime, which clearly cannot be compared to the current dispensation.
It is therefore important that leaders must at all times strive to leave the future generation of this country with a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous nation that we are currently enjoying.
We must work together as a nation against social ills in order for us to strive and ensure that all Namibians reap the fruits of independence.