We have officially entered the last month of the year and in many instances the end of the official business year. All that has been happening over the last two weeks or so and for the remainder of the year are end-of-year functions; a time to relax, reflect and celebrate the turbulent year we just went through.

The most difficult part of the year is over. If you made it all the way to this time of the year, congratulations, consider yourself a winner and a blessed individual. Of course, there are those who unfortunately did not make it this far, and while I have this opportunity, I would like to sincerely send my condolences to those who lost friends, family and loved ones throughout the year; it hasn’t been an easy year.

If you made it this far, that means you did something right. It means you did your best and endured one of the most difficult and turbulent years in Namibia’s history. That is cause for celebration and gratitude, but as the President said in his address recently, be responsible and cautious, but still celebrate life and the festive season; you deserve it.

You might not have gotten a pat on the back for work well done, or appreciation for putting in overtime or even recognition for solving an extremely difficult task or situation. As nice as it is to be told and applauded for your efforts, there is greater satisfaction in knowing you gave it your absolute best and only you can know that, because only you can determine what your best is.

If you didn’t reach your objectives, don’t be despaired, because as we come to the end of the year, there is a fresh new one waiting around the corner and another chance to give it all you can.

It has been a long year and there were many limitations and challenges that we faced, but if there is one thing I know about Namibians, we always give it our best, even if the odds are stacked against us. We always give it our best!

It can never be stressed enough that while we are at the business end of the year, there is still a pandemic going on and unfortunately, it is also trying its best to spread and cause havoc, especially at a time when we come together to enjoy the festive season. Please stay safe and take care of yourselves.  

* Olavi Popyeinawa

* Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa

* Email: olavipopyeinawa@gmail.com