We Have Lost Love
FOR the past 100 years when we were under the colonial power of Germany and South Africa, we were known to be ONE PEOPLE, we collectively fought for the freedom of this country in unison as one people.
When we died at the hands of Van Trotha we were as one people. On the 21st March when we achieved our self determination we did it as one people.
We have had the culture and tradition of oneness; this is why our country is called the land of the brave because of our unique oneness in fighting and struggling for our nationhood together.
But for 22 years of our Independence we have come to change our attitude and behaviour, we are more than divided and are rude towards one another, we are fighting ourselves, there is too much division and tribal tensions among ourselves. You do not need to ask, go in the taxis; drivers curse any motorist who sounds a horn because they are blocking the way or are stopping at the roadway; in hospitals nurses and doctors are very rude towards patients; patients too are rude to nurses and doctors. In schools, in families, in playgrounds, in bars, in communities everywhere, the entire Namibian society seems to have lost the dignity that comes as a nation.
Where is that love we used to give to each other? Where is that unity that we had when we were chasing white supremacy? Where is that oneness that helped us to have one identity as Namibians? Why are we violent in families and towards our own family members? Where is that oneness that made our comrades to be fed when they were from exile? Where is that love we gave each other when we were looking for employment? Where is that respect we accorded each other as traditional authorities and as citizens?
If we have lost it let us claim it, if we have forgotten let us remember it, if it is mere hatred let us change, if it is change of attitude then we are wrong. We must embrace the oneness of one Namibia one Nation. Citizens must not fear to talk or visit other places because it belongs to one group or race. We are all Namibians; let us be proud of ourselves.
We can develop more if we are one and that we love and care for one another.
Saunders Jumah The Utopian
Forum For The Future Of Africa (FFFA)