It has been 34 years since Namibia gained independence through the barrel of the gun, after which independence the country has transformed into one of Africa’s best democracies. 

This has become possible because of espoused national values and ideals that are entrenched in the preamble of the Namibian Constitution. However, these values and ideals need continuous protection from emerging political developments that are not rooted in the aspirations of the citizens.

Endurance 

Namibia, like other countries in Africa, emerged from a liberation struggle. The Constitution recognises the value of the liberation struggle that formed the basis of the Namibian nation today. Here, it stipulates that “we, the people of Namibia, have finally emerged victorious in our struggle against colonialism, racism and apartheid; we are determined to adopt a Constitution that expresses for ourselves and our children our resolve to cherish and to protect the gains of our long struggle.” 

This expression is fundamental because it expresses the value of how Namibia became a country and we, the people, became Namibians.

Furthermore, national unity is another value that the government has cultivated. National unity has been instrumental in keeping Namibians together, and that is how we have become a unitary state founded upon the principles of democracy, rule of law and justice for all. During the fight for freedom, able men and women came together in recognition of a common goal, which was independence.

 It was here that nationalist leaders cultivated a sense of common belonging among the people – that we are a people with a common heritage and future to forge together. This is how Namibia’s independence became a reality – because of national unity.

Equally, peace and stability are an important aspiration that has characterised Namibia as a stable and peaceful country. For the past 34 years, Namibia has been ranked high on the Global Peace Index. This is because, as a people, we have embraced tolerance. Through tolerance, we cultivated a good culture of accepting and respecting another, even when other people’s ideas, beliefs or habits differ from our own. This is what characterises a Namibian house, but also a mature democratic country that values the importance of consensus.

Similarly, equality is an important value cherished by the people since independence. The liberation struggle was launched because of the need for equality and freedom from discrimination.

 Today, the country’s Constitution has entrenched the Bill of Rights to protect this important right under Article 10. Importantly, the Constitution has also empowered previously-disadvantaged groups, such as women and marginalised communities. These people today have found a meaningful expression and contribution in society by exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. However, a lot still needs to be done to address the question of economic equality that seeks to close the gap between the rich and the poor.

Lastly, democracy is an important ideal that has encapsulated Namibia as a progressive society. Since independence, Namibia has abided by the universal suffrage principle, which recognises the right for men and women of age to vote, or engage in political activities. The country embraced the principle of representative democracy, where the citizens, through their elected representatives in government, continue to participate in decision-making processes involving state politics. Through upholding democratic principles, the country has shaped policies that have produced good governance and effective leadership.

 In 2014, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba won the Mo Ibrahim prize for achievement in African leadership. This came because of dedication towards improving the livelihoods and welfare of the citizens, and consolidating the foundation for sustainable development.

Moving forward 

Based on the issues discussed above, I strongly believe Namibia has done extremely well in preserving its democratic ideals and values as a progressive nation. This has become possible because of a government that has displaced consistent commitment to its people. 

Democracy has served Namibia very well, and as Joseph Diescho indicated in his personal interview with the Namibia Press Agency in 2013: “Namibia is far away from other nations on the same trajectory.” This has been a result of good governance and leadership.

*Collen Kurana is a peace and conflict scholar at Durban University of Technology.