The furore around this year’s Heroes’ Day shed light on a day that usually passes without much hype or notice. 

Often 26 August gets swallowed by the wedding season in the north and the start of trade fair season. 

A war of words erupted between the information ministry, Cabinet secretary and the Landless People’s Movement’s Hardap regional council’s leadership who felt they were not accorded the necessary acknowledgement and consideration as political leaders in the region.

Namibian public holidays are marked to remember the specific historical events that make us who we are, to create awareness and educate citizens about the specific topic and the reason why it exists. 

The lambasting of those out of political favour and telling the public how ungrateful we are for the sacrifices of those currently living in splendour has brought about an apathy amongst most regarding national days of commemoration.

Repeatedly hearing how we ought to be more grateful to be living in squalor, dealing with some of the highest global unemployment rates and ever-deepening poverty, does little to stoke any feelings of patriotism.

Rather, days such as Heroes’ Day have become an opportunity to indulge in alcoholism.

Relegating some tribal groups to being merely the day’s entertainment rather than bringing everyone to be the central part of the commemoration, does little to strengthen the already frayed national bonds and excluding some builds antipathy towards these occasions. The exclusionary nature of this year’s Independence Day celebrations come to mind as a distinct example. 

The event, held in Swakopmund, was attended by parliamentarians, local and regional councillors, diplomats, business leaders and invited guests but the public was not invited. 

They queued at the stadium from as early as 05h00 eager to be part of a huge national event. 

The backlash from that event should have been the wake-up call to what the nation desires. 

It should also mobilise political will and resources to address the issues, and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of the nation.

Heroes’ Day will always be political because we celebrate and remember those we credit with giving us the freedoms we enjoy today.

There is, however, no need to limit this celebration to the one day in the year or to the political flavour of the month.

Throughout the length and breadth of this country, ordinary people and professionals go above and beyond to help, inspire, uplift and guide communities and individuals. 

From teachers to ophthalmologists, clergy and sports coaches many help the downtrodden and strive to improve lives every day.

These are the heroes we need to remember and celebrate more often and more vigorously.

Our communities are filled with heroes from all walks of life. The lack of initiative to acknowledge them spits on their efforts.

Heroes’ Day should be a day in which communities can come together to uplift those who have personally served them. 

A day to build lasting community ties and national pride by highlighting the efforts of those in our community working towards a better society.

An opportunity to celebrate those who do the backbreaking work in our communities, who feed, clothe and shelter us, passes us by every year, often to uplift those who sow discord and disunity in an effort to maintain relevance.

The whole Heroes’ Day hullabaloo should have been avoided by all parties involved but could have been rescued by a real hero who could have called the parties together to remind them that we are all Namibians and what we share and celebrate is more important than that which divide us. There is a need to decentre personal agendas in favour of a true nation building exercise.