Very unfortunate events unfolded at the Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa region last week when locals clashed with shop owners and other businesspeople in what has been attributed to tribalism. 

According to a report by The Namibian, the standoff pitted the Ovaherero against the Aawambo who have settled in the area, while some have opened businesses. 

The local Ovaherero apparently took it upon themselves to drive out about 14 Oshiwambo-speaking people from the area. 

They claimed the Aawambo, many of whom had just arrived in the area for business purposes, were bent on taking over the settlement in the form of grazing for livestock, the newspaper reported. 

The situation was only brought under control after governor James Uerikua and other leaders stepped in to address it.

What transpired in Gam is nothing but sheer tribalism, which must invite utmost condemnation. It is unfortunate that 32 years after gaining our independence, tribalism continues to rear its ugly head in our society. 

What has been witnessed in Gam is further confirmation that Namibia remains a divided nation, and such events potentially work against the ultimate aim of uniting Namibians and peaceful coexistence. 

The apartheid regime used tribalism as a tool to divide the black natives before independence. It worked in furthering their interests by adopting divide-and- rule policies. 

It is true that as a nation, we face many challenges, including the inequitable distribution of wealth – an apartheid legacy that we find difficult to overcome to this day. 

However, when fellow Namibians are pitted against each other, the realisation of fostering a sense of national unity amongst the masses becomes a pipe dream. 

There is no doubt that our strength has been unity. 

Thus, Namibians need to look beyond tribalism and racism in our nation-building endeavours. 

We can ill-afford to remain divided. As a nation, we must draw great lessons from xenophobic attacks in neighbouring South Africa, which have lurked in that country for decades and are mostly targeting African migrants, including Zimbabwean nationals eking out a living there. 

Tribal strife has led to an 11-year civil war in Sierra Leone, where millions suffered, and lost loved ones and property. 

The unfortunate events of Rwanda, which claimed the lives of about 800 000, mostly from the Tutsi minority tribe, is another stark reminder that tribalism can have grave consequences. 

We acknowledge the fact that all is not well at the moment. 

Thousands of Namibians are languishing in poverty, with a lack of employment opportunities the order of the day, especially for the majority youth. 

Clearly, there are frustrations all over the place.

The people are struggling. Government is struggling, equally. The situation, therefore, calls for cooler heads to prevail while authorities need to step up efforts, which could positively influence efforts at conflict resolution. 

Social and political divisions are normal in any country. 

However, we will not achieve much as a nation if we continuously beat the tribalism drum. 

We must shun tribalism with the contempt it deserves, and ultimately avoid this toxic legacy of self-hate.