OKAHAO – The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Joel Kaapanda called on Namibian citizens to respect the freedom they enjoy and which was earned at great cost both in terms of lives lost and immense suffering.
Instead of enjoying the freedom brought about through a bitter struggle, Namibians are instead engaged in internecine violence. “I am disheartened to hear about crimes of passion in an independent Namibia. People, especially women are being slaughtered like animals,” said Kaapanda during the belated commemoration of Heroes Day at Omuthitu gwaAmalwa in the Ogongo constituency, which took place last Saturday. He added that the crime rate has increased massively with murder, theft, domestic and gender-based violence topping the list. The Minister agreed with Lamek Iithete, who is a former ex-combatant and one of the first combatants to engage the apartheid South African occupationist forces at Omugulugombashe in 1966. Iithete recalled the suffering that the heroes and heroines endured for Namibia to become independent, which he said is wrongly interpreted today.
Kaapanda said in the olden days children were taught to respect their elders; to ask when they needed anything. Moreover, children were cautioned not to touch items that did not belong to them. However, all these values have been jettisoned with today’s parents rejoicing when they see their children bring wealth home without questioning how it was obtained. Parents are also hiding criminals in their homes, with women ululating when their children bring cars home even after a short period of being employed. “Parents do not have the power to question their children when they bring wealth home. Is it because of poverty?” he asked. He told parents that they will not be able to hide their in-house thieves forever, and called on them to work together with law enforcement agencies to help in combating crime in the country. He urged parents to be exemplary to their children and to ensure that they become responsible citizens.
“Parents have a huge responsibility to raise children. Parents teach your children to refrain from things that will destroy their lives and future and guide them do what is right. Teach them to love school and ensure that they have a vision of what they want to become in the future,” said Kaapanda. The minister advised learners who attended the event to respect their elders and to refrain from stealing, because there can be no good fortune in stealing apart from opening the way to find oneself behind bars.
By Nuusita Ashipala