Ant Colonies, Imperialism, System Correction and the Fall of an Icon

A myrmecologist is a person who engages in the research and study of ants.

For centuries scientists have studied ant colonies and continue to make crucial findings that can enable leaders to manage their nations better – ants incorporate superior socially driven systems with fascinating organisational structures, which we will explore later in this article.

Although given many definitions, a colony is a multifaceted expression which also refers to a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country, as National Geographic magazine puts it.

What a fancy word for anti-indigenous action.

With a more imperialistic sway, the two main pillars of colonial dominations are social and political. 

The colonial structure is simple.

There is a mother country, which contrary to the more common nurturing nature of a mother does not exactly provide maternal direction.

It has a more aggressive approach which can include having a military presence which, by default, orders and controls the colonial state and its people primarily for economic pursuits.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

The analogy of slave and master befits the visual imagery of this explanation or even the post-independence relationship between Namibia and her former colonisers.

The colonial state’s resources are depleted and indigenous people exploited while the colonisers develop their own countries through this system.

That is how humans run a colony.

An ant colony, however, appreciates a different complex and socialistic perspective.

For one, the leadership – as opposed to being an aggressive and autocratic bearded group of settlers – is run by a graceful and very strategic queen.

With more of a communal and socially enriched approach, the colonies of the ant queendoms consist of a driven population of workers, reproductive individuals, and offspring that live together honouring a system that relies heavily on cooperation and non-aggressive progressive behaviour. 

More than anything, the individual ants prioritise the colony’s needs over personal advancement, with the aim of equal resource distribution for all. 

The results of this type of societal structure are commendable.

It’s a way of living synonymous with African societal relationships that we once shared as a continent and in our village communities, of being interlinked and interdependent.

THE ‘ANT QUEEN’

Of course a hierarchy exists, but it is a healthy one where a sense of belonging is celebrated.

The ‘Ant Queen’ recognises that the quality of life of her people is essential for her success and survival.

She hovers around a succession planning strategy and takes ownership of her colony through state-of-the art tunnel communication, which is well engineered.

Who would have thought that a microscopic creature can teach the human race a thing or two about hybrid socialism and communal systems?

With a lifespan of nearly 20 years, these colonies are built on great strategies that could enable countries like Namibia to completely break free from the mental slavery or colonial hangover, a term often used by the renowned pan-Africanist, Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Ant colonies should be studied and appreciated.

Mother Nature has embedded them with possible solutions for the African problems we are experiencing in this modern age which, if not solved, will continue affecting future generations.

Namibia needs to rebuild social structures which benefit the people and break away from the current structures created by our former masters.

Namibians no longer benefit from this system as it has shape-shifted.

For one, there are outdated laws which are anti-progressive that continue to enslave us.

HARNESSING THE COMMON GOOD

Our founding president Sam Nujoma was adamant that “a united people striving to achieve a common goal for all members of society will always emerge victorious”.

This is not a theory but a proven fact, treasured in successful ant colonies. Namibia is all we have and lasting solutions need to be introduced and implemented together.

We need a sense of nationalism today more than ever. Especially the youth.

We should desist from using our status as previously disadvantaged as a tool to be reckless about our future.

We have been conferred with the weapons of hard work, persistence and patriotism by those who fought for this country.

We should not take this inheritance for granted but rather fight the great battle of equal distribution of wealth for all meticulously. 

I end with the famous words of our founding president whose teachings will echo down the ages and serve as a compass: “We are now the master of this vast land of our ancestors. The destiny of our country is fully in our hands. We should, therefore, look forward to the future with confidence and hope.”

• Ndatyoonawa Tshilunga-Nelumbu is a passionate construction economist and self-identified social engineer, dedicated to creating sustainable, effective solutions for Namibian society. She is pursuing a postgraduate degree in development finance.

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