An Open Letter to Namibian Youth

I am very concerned about our practices as youth all over this country. We are constantly complaining, talking very negatively about the government, saying that they are not employing us, but our actions towards our own government are particularly rotten.

The fact is, we are being misled by the misrepresentation of our rights, but that is not the reason why we should misbehave. If you look at chapter three, article 15 (1-5) of the Namibian Constitution, it is not written in the article that children should drink alcohol in public, disrespect their elders or break the law.

My point here is, this is the time for the youth to stand up and fight against poverty. This is our time to prove to our elders that after their departure, we will have the capability to lead the nation. It is our time to implement different projects that will boost the economy of our beloved country. It is our time to stop going to bars and clubs and start using the little strength we have to work hard for this country.

There is no way that a child will ask for bread from his father and the father will give him a stone. This must be the time for the youth to come up with small businesses and start knocking on government’s door for financial assistance to upgrade their businesses.

Namibia is a very rich country. We don’t have to run overseas to go do damage to our country’s name just because we want jobs. No, our government has it all for us, all we need to do is to think outside the box and get rid of the mentality of disrespecting our elders.

Be a child who always aims to please your father and your father will offer assistance to you. Be a child who comes back home early without smelling of alcohol and drugs and your father will be proud of you. Be a child who always initiates profitable projects that will benefit other children and your government will help you.

The development of Namibia lies near and dear to my heart and it is my wish and dream for our country to be called a developed country by 2030. Yes, it will be! The only requirement is the determination of the youth to work hard.

* Tsepo K Mutenge is a youth activist.

Quote:

The fact is, we are being misled by the misrepresentation of our rights, but that is not the reason why we should misbehave.

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