Chasing the dots ... Birds of a Feather
By: Chris Smith
“Those who are behaving outside the normal tradition of an African will be dealt with,” The Namibian quotes our boss cop as saying (February 19 2013); “we work for the money, not the loyalty” was also presented as a quote from a lawyer a couple of days earlier. Wow, where are we going?
The first quote, in broad strokes, I have great sympathy with our cops, especially when public drinking and mall madness is thrown in. The second quote I am sure is true, unfortunately, and taken in isolation, shows how low general professional behaviour has sunk. And yes, it has now reached the level of the oldest profession in the world who are beginning to appear further up the ethical scale than others; at least they have tangible inputs and consequences and don’t make their money from pure threat!
Explanations needed. What is that normal tradition? Is it eating sushi from naked women at five-star parties of the elite, or pinstriped suits, Gucci bags or the latest Maserati? Such essentials seem part of our post-independence society. The youth miss out on nothing and realise that to enter this arena they have to follow the fashion and demands of the elite even if it reduces them to courtesan (kamboroto?) level with the appearance of a streetwalker or porn star! African culture? No, it has now become globalised.
But then it was not so long ago that police and some defence force personnel (?) were harassing and sometimes locking up those wearing “camouflage” , that was until it was realised this was not a revolutionary trend but fashion. Thus a fine line is there between what is fashion and what is essentially the uniform of the ambitious and budding courtesan! And yes, I come from the place and time where the miniskirt first became acceptable fashion but then that underneath was adequate to hide the working parts. The apparent almost pornographic intent to expose is a corruption of the world of fashion where decency is intended. This lowering of moral standards is equally reflected in the rise in the acceptance of celebrity, recreational drugs and excessive boozing, which itself is a reflection of the new African culture of the elite perhaps?
As that professional said, it is about the money, not loyalty – and not unreasonably such a comment could be extended to whether it is right or wrong or good or bad. Only the cash matters. And is this how far we have sunk? Thus I repeat, my broad sympathies are with the boss cop but I would add that the parents should also be taken to account. Ah, then the problem as the fashion leaders are from the elite who are promoting such un-African behaviour.
The real sadness is that modifying behaviour is about the growth of national standards and beliefs of justice and what it is. If based on African tradition, how is that interpreted in practice? This is where our judicial stalwarts have to show their mettle. If, as it seems likely, the feedstock into our national world of judgement is from what seems to increasingly greedy lawyers, I worry. Fortunately our current crop seem, apart from a few, above and beyond such a world, I hope. But ...
It seems to me that legal process, almost worldwide, and certainly in Namibia, has in many cases been reduced to a method of financial punishment without trial and getting away with “murder” by those who can afford massive legal costs (ultimately recovered!) and especially by high-profile elites. The law is far from equal for all and often it use is malicious, to say the least.
Examples? I look at the teacher locked up for nearly two months by wrongful arrest but his case only takes to account the police failure and not the consequences and his additional 48 days’ detention. Surely cruel and inhumane treatment, certainly a failure of GRN, certainly pain and financial loss to the teacher, but judged, no doubt correctly according to precedent and the letter of the law, but certainly, from what we see, not justice. Equally the teachers’ strike where specific named citizens were instructed but another unnamed citizen was charged with contempt put our right of free speech under the hammer. If I had supported the teachers publicly, would I also be guilty? But then I do not have millions to challenge!
However, the ultimate case is that of the Caprivi, however guilty or otherwise the defendants are. Keeping 43 people in jail for 13 years is certainly cruel and inhumane especially with the ultimate insult when the final prosecution process is finished, their charges are withdrawn. Sure, a battle for reparations may ensue but the real question is how can many, many millions be spent on lawyers, when the ultimate test is failed; withdrawal before a defence is mounted. Obviously a purely malicious case for which the legal systems should be held liable under its disciplinary processes, somehow.
Are we only about the money, what is African culture, Birds of a Feather?
csmith@mweb.com.na