Police supremo Joseph Shikongo has appealed to his officers to focus on their duties instead of wasting their hard-earned money on Valentine’s Day tomorrow. Leading from the front, Shikongo will not expend any funds on Valentine’s Day.
This, he said, is because to him, the day is of no significance.
He was speaking during a police parade on Tuesday at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police Training College in Windhoek.
Shikongo’s message comes as many Namibians prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day. “Valentine’s is coming. I don’t want to dictate what you should do on Valentine’s Day, but I will not spend any cent on Valentine’s Day because it is not my priority,” he said.
Shikongo said officers must learn to separate needs from wants.
“I will make sure the kids have books. I will make sure we have food at home. I will make sure I have electricity. I will make sure my water is paid. I will make sure the TV licence is paid. Those are the critical issues that we need to focus on,” he said.
The police chief cautioned officers against borrowing money to bankroll occasions such as birthday celebrations or Valentine’s Day.
“You are going to borrow N$2 000 to entertain people because it’s your birthday. Why can’t you leave the birthday out if you don’t have the money? It’s a luxury,” he said.
He then reminded officers that many young Namibians are unemployed and looking for jobs. He said police officers should value their employment and avoid unnecessary spending that may lead them into financial trouble.
What is more, he also warned officers against getting involved in criminal activities, saying discipline and integrity remain key values of the Namibian Police Force.
Shikongo linked his advice to the high level of unemployment in the country.
He revealed that during the first day of recruitment, when the police only had 1 000 vacancies, they received more than 42 000 applications. In another recruitment drive for 1 700 positions, over 46 000 people applied. In the most recent intake, where only 2 000 recruits were needed, more than 53 000 Namibians submitted applications.
“These are Namibians who want a job,” he said. He reminded officers that many young people are still unemployed and looking for opportunities and warned them not to risk losing their jobs through misconduct or poor financial decisions.
“Don’t play around with your job. Maybe you can play with your salary because you know the salary is coming next month. But if you play with your job, the job will not come back,” he cautioned.
Kindness
Meanwhile, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to mark Valentine’s Day with compassion, patience and meaningful acts of love.
In a message shared on Thursday by her press secretary, Jonas Mbambo, the President encouraged citizens to look beyond gifts and celebrations and instead focus on supporting one another.
“On this Valentine’s Day, I encourage each one of us to show simple acts of kindness, patience, and love to those around us. Many people are carrying heavy burdens and fighting personal battles we may never see. A kind word, a helping hand, or a gesture of love can go a long way,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that love should not only be expressed in romantic relationships but also within families, communities and the nation at large.
“As we continue building a united and prosperous Namibia, let us carry the spirit of 1 Corinthians 1:13 in our hearts and allow love to remain the foundation of our families, our communities, and our nation,” she said, before wishing Namibians a happy Valentine’s Day.
Photo: Heather Erdmann