Congrats For Nothing

I’M sure the handful of Namibian taxpayers were driven to the brink of nausea again a while ago, when newspapers were covered in congratulatory Happy Independence ads.

Can we get over it already? It’s been 16 years and still local banks, insurance companies and loads of State-owned organisations throw money out the window for this utterly superfluous, waste of newsprint. Is this sycophantic or what? For some smaller companies, it seems to be the only piece of advertising they ever do in the year…But let me get to the actual point.In Namibia we seem to congratulate people for achieving absolutely nothing at all.So let’s do some more congratulating, shall we? – We congratulate the Government and NamPower for not having enough vision to circumnavigate the power problem.A dilemma that was staring them in the face.Who has to pay by suffering power cuts? Correct: the public and taxpayers! – We congratulate the Government for using tax money effectively and wisely, as can be seen in the immaculate conditions of our roads.Some of these roads are supposed import/export routes.Scary! – We congratulate the Government for a deteriorating school system.Will our children have to be sent to South Africa for proper schooling, as is the case with tertiary education? – We congratulate the Government for their excellent budgeting skills and ability to scrape together a few pennies to set up a humble State House.A State House that will surely impress other politicians and play its role in securing the future of our country’s economy and to bolster the ever-present egos of Third World leaders.- We congratulate the Government for milking a minority of taxpayers of their hard-earned money, only to use these funds for whatever they please.No remorse! – We congratulate the Government for creating an environment that would scare off even the toughest investors.- We congratulate and give a standing ovation to the pathetic way in which pensioners and the elderly have been treated.SSC crooks deserve the highest punishment! – We congratulate the Government for running a tight ship in the law-enforcement and justice sector.Murderers are on bail, while others get convicted (without bail!) for a charge of sexual harassment.President Pohamba, we urge you to clean up this mess and make us truly proud of our country.This country can be great, if we focus on what’s really important and get our priorities straight.Joe WindhoekIs this sycophantic or what? For some smaller companies, it seems to be the only piece of advertising they ever do in the year…But let me get to the actual point.In Namibia we seem to congratulate people for achieving absolutely nothing at all.So let’s do some more congratulating, shall we? – We congratulate the Government and NamPower for not having enough vision to circumnavigate the power problem.A dilemma that was staring them in the face.Who has to pay by suffering power cuts? Correct: the public and taxpayers! – We congratulate the Government for using tax money effectively and wisely, as can be seen in the immaculate conditions of our roads.Some of these roads are supposed import/export routes.Scary! – We congratulate the Government for a deteriorating school system.Will our children have to be sent to South Africa for proper schooling, as is the case with tertiary education? – We congratulate the Government for their excellent budgeting skills and ability to scrape together a few pennies to set up a humble State House.A State House that will surely impress other politicians and play its role in securing the future of our country’s economy and to bolster the ever-present egos of Third World leaders.- We congratulate the Government for milking a minority of taxpayers of their hard-earned money, only to use these funds for whatever they please.No remorse! – We congratulate the Government for creating an environment that would scare off even the toughest investors.- We congratulate and give a standing ovation to the pathetic way in which pensioners and the elderly have been treated.SSC crooks deserve the highest punishment! – We congratulate the Government for running a tight ship in the law-enforcement and justice sector.Murderers are on bail, while others get convicted (without bail!) for a charge of sexual harassment.President Pohamba, we urge you to clean up this mess and make us truly proud of our country.This country can be great, if we focus on what’s really important and get our priorities straight.Joe Windhoek