Faustinus Shikukutu
Social cohesion that holds a nation together is not only a key basis for defining licit development goals in a country, but also a pertinent prerequisite for tackling the challenges that emerge from development processes.
Social cohesion makes communities more resilient in the face of quandaries and precipitates change processes that benefit everyone.
However, Namibians are currently drifting apart following multiple developments, such as rising elitism and economic polarization, which are inimical to authentic social cohesion.
The relationship among Namibians could be artificial, as we seem to show unity only during national events.
In addition, the enigmatic nature of Namibia`s divided nation has led to its diversion from the path of nation-building in its attempt to achieve national development due to an invidious climate of personal interest, ethnicity, mediocrity, favouritism, sectionalism, cronyism and corrupt process of employment.
Endeavours such as ‘No one should be left out’, ‘Namibia my pride’ and the singing of both the National and African Union anthems at official gatherings had been advanced to strengthen social cohesion.
Despite these efforts, the question meandering in peoples’ minds is, are these efforts are authentic in embracing all Namibians? The answer is ‘no’, as there are many Namibians who feel left out because of the egocentric attitude displayed by those in power, who only value themselves and their cronies more than ordinary
citizens.
We recently witnessed how authentic social cohesion continues to be eroded during the Independence Day celebration, where commoners were deemed irrelevant and told to watch over the fence.
The Oxford dictionary defines egocentrism as “thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others”.
Egocentrics tend to care about their selves, lack empathy, show indifference to the needs of others, and are very concerned about what people think.
They’re so self-involved; so concerned with their own image that they fail to see how their egocentric behaviour limits the results they achieve through others.
Worse, egocentrics often take credit for their accomplishments or berate others in front of other staff members when they dare to disagree with them, or don`t praise or worship them.
They have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, conceit, appropriate pride in themselves, and self-esteem. No matter what others do, they’ll have an excessive need to be in control, assert themselves at the expense of others, and be the center of attention.
In truth, egocentrics` lack of concern, emotions and individuation of others is causing antipathy and bitterness among Namibians by having disdained feelings.
Egocentrism starts when an individual or group of people feels that to provide service is only to be paid a bribe, live in luxury and accumulate wealth – not to lead and salvage people from financial and untold hardships.
Therefore, egocentrism is caused by many factors, which include greed.
These days, a majority of people and politicians are into public service or politics to become richer than their fellows – budgeted funds that are set to execute projects end up being diverted for their gain.
Unfeigned Ubuntu had been replaced by assertions such as “my cool drink”, “remember me/us” and “towonange ko nonyara” (loosely translated ‘touch my fingers’), which means one has to pay before assistance or service is rendered.
For Namibia to free itself from the shackles of egocentrism, there is a need for those in power to lead for the betterment of lives and not rule for their interests.
It is no accident that we are Namibians; we need to be cleansed from the egocentric mentality and all differences and prejudices should melt away.
We need political leaders and office bearers who shun selfish tendencies and promote the living standard of the populace – not eyeing benefits to satisfy egos: leaders who are inclusive and embrace all people – leaders who see people as human beings, and not look at people with ethnic lenses.
Leaders who do not have favourites; leaders who draw others closer despite the cultural, socio-economic background or status.
We need to learn to live together in harmony and solidarity despite our differences and historical background.
We do not need artificial social cohesion that is visible only during campaigns or when support is needed from a particular group.
If we are truly Namibian and place it at the top of our agenda, then we should depict a spirit that is not polluted by selfish ambition and ill-will but characterised by self-sacrifice and service.
We should work on what is best for other people; nobody should be more equal than the other.
It is a figment of our imagination that some people are of less value or inferior to us.
It does not matter how rich the position one has – how poor one is; all of us should be treated with the equality a human being deserves.
If all leaders and office-bearers work for the benefit of the people and apply themselves wholeheartedly, we will see the wonderful transformation of our country.
May our Namibia be free from egocentric citizens to realise authentic social cohesion.