Good Wishes For Holidays And New Year

THE year 2007 has been a strenuous and sometimes momentous one for many Namibians.

It has been a year of political upheavals where the status quo is no longer what it once was. Economically speaking we have had ups and downs, but there have also been very negative aspects, such as continually spiralling corruption which the formation of the Anti-Corruption Commission has done little to contain, although it has certainly put more focus on this problematic area.Climatically Namibia continues to suffer from drought, and most are hoping that the rains will come over the next few months in order to avert natural calamities which we could do without.Perhaps most importantly, we have done little to narrow the gap between rich and poor and get essential services to the people.Our hospitals and schools are often in a state of disrepair and the year has shown some deterioration in vital areas, such as the provision of water.The power crisis in southern Africa has touched us, perhaps not as badly as our southern neighbour, but is nevertheless a looming crisis that needs urgent remedy.A handover of power has taken place at political level, and our Head of State is now also the leader of the ruling party, and it is safe to say that the hopes of many rest on him to continue being a democratic-minded, fair, progressive and even-handed leader who will not only do our country proud, but the majority of our people as well.We continue to place faith in his leading Namibia to greater heights and to assist in instilling vitally important characteristics, such as a work ethic, for example, as well as playing a conciliatory and uniting role.Having said this, it is also important to emphasise that the success of a country depends not only on its political leadership and government, but also on the private sector, and most importantly, the people themselves.It is incumbent upon all Namibians to do what they can to ensure that the country continues to be productive and progress and advance in every aspect, from education to investment to social upliftment of those less privileged.To ensure the wellbeing of our nation, it is also important that people take responsibility on the roads this holiday season.To reduce fatalities and accidents lies in our hands and we would call upon everyone who is on the roads to exercise great caution and care in order to avert those catastrophes which annually make this season one in which loss of life is prevalent.We would also appeal that the holiday spirit be confined to fun and laughter and quality time spent with family and friends, rather than an exhibition of over-indulgence, which also results in sadness and tragedy for many.Hopefully too, while many are fortunate to have a lengthy break over this period, the country does not come to a standstill.We do need to remind ourselves that to be a productive nation we cannot afford to close down completely.Many shops and business, including The Namibian for the week between Christmas and New Year, close for short periods to give some of their staff well-needed breaks, and this is inevitable to some extent.But we cannot afford a complete shutdown and Government and private sector should keep this in mind.From our perspective we will continue in the New Year, which is nearly upon us, to delivery quality news and information to the Namibian public and make our contribution to the economy of the country.We trust that our students will commit to hard work in the educational sense in the New Year, so that they can grow up to be solid citizens who can deliver in terms of their contribution to our country and people as a whole.It is vitally important that the youth take up the mantle in terms of preparing for their leadership roles which lie ahead.We hope for the ending of 2007 on a positive note and equally, for the New Year to start in the same fashion.We wish our readers, advertisers and supporters, and the nation as a whole, a restful time over this holiday period so that we can enter 2008 reinvigorated and ready and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.Our next edition will appear on January 3.Economically speaking we have had ups and downs, but there have also been very negative aspects, such as continually spiralling corruption which the formation of the Anti-Corruption Commission has done little to contain, although it has certainly put more focus on this problematic area.Climatically Namibia continues to suffer from drought, and most are hoping that the rains will come over the next few months in order to avert natural calamities which we could do without.Perhaps most importantly, we have done little to narrow the gap between rich and poor and get essential services to the people.Our hospitals and schools are often in a state of disrepair and the year has shown some deterioration in vital areas, such as the provision of water.The power crisis in southern Africa has touched us, perhaps not as badly as our southern neighbour, but is nevertheless a looming crisis that needs urgent remedy.A handover of power has taken place at political level, and our Head of State is now also the leader of the ruling party, and it is safe to say that the hopes of many rest on him to continue being a democratic-minded, fair, progressive and even-handed leader who will not only do our country proud, but the majority of our people as well.We continue to place faith in his leading Namibia to greater heights and to assist in instilling vitally important characteristics, such as a work ethic, for example, as well as playing a conciliatory and uniting role.Having said this, it is also important to emphasise that the success of a country depends not only on its political leadership and government, but also on the private sector, and most importantly, the people themselves.It is incumbent upon all Namibians to do what they can to ensure that the country continues to be productive and progress and advance in every aspect, from education to investment to social upliftment of those less privileged.To ensure the wellbeing of our nation, it is also important that people take responsibility on the roads this holiday season.To reduce fatalities and accidents lies in our hands and we would call upon everyone who is on the roads to exercise great caution and care in order to avert those catastrophes which annually make this season one in which loss of life is prevalent.We would also appeal that the holiday spirit be confined to fun and laughter and quality time spent with family and friends, rather than an exhibition of over-indulgence, which also results in sadness and tragedy for many.Hopefully too, while many are fortunate to have a lengthy break over this period, the country does not come to a standstill.We do need to remind ourselves that to be a productive nation we cannot afford to close down completely.Many shops and business, including The Namibian for the week between Christmas and New Year, close for short periods to give some of their staff well-needed breaks, and this is inevitable to some extent.But we cannot afford a complete shutdown and Government and private sector should keep this in mind.From our perspective we will continue in the New Year, which is nearly upon us, to delivery quality news and information to the Namibian public and make our contribution to the economy of the country.We trust that our students will commit to hard work in the educational sense in the New Year, so that they can grow up to be solid citizens who can deliver in terms of their contribution to our country and people as a whole.It is vitally important that the youth take up the mantle in terms of preparing for their leadership roles which lie ahead.We hope for the ending of 2007 on a positive note and equally, for the New Year to start in the same fashion.We wish our readers, advertisers and supporters, and the nation as a whole, a restful time over this holiday period so that we can enter 2008 reinvigorated and ready and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.Our next edition will appear on January 3.