By Professor Peter H Katjavivi
TODAY, February 9, 2015, marks the 25th anniversary of our Constitution Day, that is, the day when the final draft of our Namibian Constitution was formerly adopted by the Constituent Assembly and came into force on Independence Day, March 21, 1990.
Twenty-five years ago, Namibia was born as an independent and sovereign State, out of the former South West Africa. The process of giving birth to Namibia brought an end to a long, protracted and bitter struggle.
When we talk about the Namibian Constitution, the following words come to mind – a progressive and modern constitution. Indeed, our Constitution, the Supreme Law of our land, has been hailed internationally as one of the most exemplary constitutions ever produced. This was because the team that wrote our Constitution was enriched with various international experiences. Our Constitution is strong on environmental safeguards, environmental governance, basic human rights as well as the rule of the law, among others.
We are indeed proud as a nation for having given birth to a Constitution that is not only hailed at home but also applauded internationally, beyond our national boundaries. Every other time as we mark our Constitution Day, February 9, we also reflect on our national progress in terms of achievements, successes, challenges and the way forward.
It is absolutely necessary that we continue to uphold the ideals of our Constitution and that we jealously guard it. Constitutional reforms and amendments may arise but they have to be done within the confines of the law of the land. This therefore brings us to the point where we emphasize the need for every citizen to internalise and understand what our Constitution says in the simplest way possible.
It has therefore brought us to the point where we are embarking on a rigorous campaign to ensure that even our school learners, students and education institutions in general are exposed to a version of our Constitution that can easily be read, understood and practised.
It is upon this background that the Office of the Ombudsman – Namibia, has taken the initiative to host an event at A Shipena Senior Secondary School, in Katutura, today to commemorate Namibia’s Constitution Day. The event will see the launch of the simplified version of the Namibia Constitution, where hard and soft copies of our Supreme Law will be availed to those present. The event will be graced by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab, the Ombudsman, Adv JR Walters; members of parliament and the Director of the Visually Impaired, Daniel Trum. The Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, Shaandre Finnies, will also grace the event – which is to be held under the theme “Our Constitution – 25 years on: How can the youth ensure that the Constitution remains a living document”. Other distinguished guests at the event will include the principal of A Shipena Senior Secondary School, Rusten Mogane, as well as members of the public.
It is fundamental that this event is being hosted at the premises of one of our schools, given the fact that Namibia is among the first countries in the world to have practically introduced the concept of the Children’s Parliament, so as to inspire young people in promoting a democratic culture as well as using the forum for airing their views and aspirations.
* Professor Peter H Katjavivi, MP, is the Swapo Party Chief Whip in the National Assembly and was a Member of the Constituent Assembly that wrote the Namibian Constitution.