Stefan Ngolo

A lot of unpleasing activities have happened, are still happening and will continue happening in Namibia. 

Starting from infights in our sports fraternity, abuse of resources, tribalism, and racism all the way to gender-based violence (GBV). These unpleasing activities have escalated at a rapid speed, causing a furious nation to embark on endless protests in different parts of Namibia.

Most of us sit in the comfort of our homes or offices and complain on social media all day long about all the wrong things in Namibia and the people in it - politicians, cops, lawyers, doctors, teachers, drivers, students, engineers, mechanics, maids etc. - without actively doing anything about it.

In the same breath, we excuse ourselves, assuming we can’t do anything about it as it’s too massive of a challenge. We need to believe that we can change the world. However, it starts with changing ourselves by being a better individual in our societies, by questioning the status quos and injustices in our communities. Self-introspection should be the key in 2021. In fact, if you aren’t a good manager of your own self, how do you expect anyone else to do that for millions of others lives? 

I put my hands together for all the activists and everyone being the change they want to see in society. Moreover, I would like to give a round of applause to all the local and international athletes, coaches and fans who initiated meetings, protests and marching strikes to show their furiousness and unhappiness about numerous injustices in our country, including the absence of football in Namibia for several years. You have done justice to yourselves. 

Furthermore, I would like to congratulate everybody involved in fighting GBV in any type of way; whether by protesting, filing court cases or implementing strict laws for the perpetrators. All I have to say is keep moving; do not stand on the side-lines spectating because tomorrow you might be the victim.     

The bottom line is - respect for yourself comes from being active, fighting the injustices in your community, fighting the status quos in your society, and doing justice to your one life that you are sure about. 

In any case, if you want others to do good to you, you need to start with yourself first. Get moving and be the change you want to see in the world. 

*Stefan Ngolo is a sports enthusiast and sports education scholar. He can be reached at ngoloset@gmail.com