Hardap leaders raise concerns over youth’s disrespect for elders and discipline

Leaders in the Hardap region have raised concerns about young people’s disrespect for elders, urging discipline, heritage preservation, and responsible parenting to guide the next generation.

“Growing up, whenever I was sent by an elder, I would gladly go, but children now look at an elder strangely,” former regional councillor Loskey //Garoëb said, speaking at a street naming event held in his honour last week.

Rehoboth mayor Justin Coetzee at the same event said many youngsters have forgotten how to speak to elders.

“Leaders must always show people how to respect their elders. We leaders were taught how to raise a community, but sometimes it is disrespectful to see that the community is shared with drugs and other criminal activities.

“Let us as leaders teach youngsters about the right leadership, because tomorrow they will be the leaders,” he said.

Hardap governor Riaan McNab at the opening of Namibian Heritage Week last week said many youngsters have lost respect for their elders.

“Elders must be elders and children must be children. Elders, continue to share your heritage with the young ones. Culture and heritage play a fundamental role in our lives. They are the pillars which build their sense of belonging, dignity and mutual respect,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Hardap parent, Tommy Cloete, says today’s youngsters do not want to be disciplined.

“Many youngsters would tell me that discipline is an attempt to control them. They don’t see the good of being disciplined and say it is a thing from the past. Discipline is essential for developing self-control, resilience and the ability to make good choices,” he says.

Elder Danny Isaacs says young people manipulate their parents into giving up on teaching them discipline.

“It hurts me so much seeing youngsters making impulsive or poor choices because they did not listen to an elder. Every poor decision leaves a mark, either physically or mentally,” he says.

Another parent, Jackson Nangolo, blames parents for failing to teach their children.

“Parents who take the time and effort to train their children with discipline reap greater rewards,” he says.

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