Incoming Member of Parliament Reginald Diergaardt said the current levels of abuse and denigration of individuals and leaders in the country has reached pandemic proportions and requires immediate intervention. 

In his inaugural speech last week, Diergaardt, who is on the ticket of the Popular Democratic Movement in the National Assembly, stated that strengthening the moral fibre within communities is necessary to combat the scourge.

“I am profoundly convinced that we must not yield to the negative pressures in our midst, but we must affirm the values of mutual respect, solidarity and peace. The life of every human being is sacred,” said Diergaardt.

The veteran politician’s career dates back to the pre-Independence era, when he was a member of the Labour Party. 

He represented the party on the executive council and became its leader in 1988. 

He then entered the first Namibian parliament on the United Democratic Front ticket and served as deputy minister of sport from 1990 to 1995.

According to Diergaardt, there is plenty of scope for parliamentarians to act together in the service of fundamental moral values. 

“The dignity of the person and the defense of the rights, which that dignity confers, must represent the goal of every social endeavour and of every effort to bring it to fruition,” he said. 

“This message is conveyed to us unmistakably by the quiet but clear voice of conscience. It is a message which must be heeded and communicated to others: Should it ever cease to find an echo in peoples’ hearts, our nation would be exposed to the darkness of barbarism,” he added. 

Diergaardt says it is only through recognition of the centrality of the person that a common basis for understanding can be found, one which enables the nation to move beyond cultural conflicts and which neutralises the disruptive power of ideologies.

“Many times, during this debate, the Holy Bible was referenced, something I, as a Christian, appreciate and hold it dear to my heart. However, we should not use the Holy Scripture to justify selective morality,” he told lawmakers.

He said, as a nation, Namibians should work together to provide meaningful education to the country’s young citizens and should provide proper hospitals and medical care to the sick as well as proper shelter, proper clothing and security to all Namibians.

“We all want to see our children happy and having three meals per day – be it a family in Eros Park, Katutura, Khorixas, Katima Mulilo, Epukiro, Ondangwa or Keetmanshoop,” said Diergaardt.