Bertha Kahenge

I’m the freedom dipped in the blood of our freedom fighters,

The deep-rooted strength of the Welwitchia plant in the plain of the desert.

I’m the swaying and swinging of hips dancing to the beats of my traditional drums.

I’m the voice of 30 languages being spoken amongst 13 tribes.

I’m the security of the Namibian force patrolling the streets and the political peace and freedom of the press aired in my nation.

I’m on the straight path of clean roads rated one of the best in the African continent.

I’m the gold and diamonds mined at Namdeb.

I’m the rhino and elephant killed for my ivory, and the pangolin nearing extinction because of my skin.

I’m the mountains in the south and the forest far north, the hot sun rising and the cold frost setting in the Namib Desert.

I’m the colours of my traditional attire that clothes the land.

I am covered by the warmth coming from my grandmother’s ondjuwo,

Natured by the crops of my grandfather’s field, 

And the oshikundu from my grandmother’s elimba.

I am a gold medalist, an artist, actor, actress, waiter, waitress, preacher. 

I am a seamstress, teacher, doctor, nurse, lawyer. 

I am the vendor at the sidewalks, the taxi driver and the security guard by the entrance.

I am the joy of the old, the voice of a child crying in the wilderness, and the hope for the coming generation.

I am the laughter of my mother and the pride of my father.

I am my brother’s keeper.

Namibia is my pride Namibia is my joy, Namibia is my hope, and Namibia is my home.

I am Namibian.