HISTORY will never repeat itself, but surely what we are doing on a daily basis goes into our historical annals. African leaders of today tend to prove that you can take an African from Africa, but you cannot take Africa from an African. Not long ago, we witnessed a horrific post-election crisis in Kenya and power scandals in Zimbabwe, both ended in power sharing which in both countries does not yet show positive results in terms of unity, peace and progress. The political platform of South African in some months back just became a field to play foul games which ended with Thabo Mbeki stepping down as President. The assassination of Guinea Bissau’s president is among the activities proving how reckless and politically immature our leaders are.
It’s time to differentiate between born leaders and developing leadership through studies such as political science. On Earth we will never have the second Mandela to be imprisoned for 27 years, nor a Nujoma the second to work as a railway worker then later go into exile to later become president of Namibia, nor Martin Luther King to deliver the one and the same ‘I have a dream speech’ … etc Where are we headed, African leaders? Where are we heading Namibians? Swapo and RDP what are Namibians expecting by November – free and fair elections or bloodshed? Please let us leave bush promises and dreams, private issues should not be national issues despite of your political education and efforts you imposed during the liberation struggle.
The Bush to Obama power transition was such a bright example of how politics should be exercised, but not rallies based on hate speeches, tribalism and disunity among our people. Steve Biko said: ‘Being black is not a matter of pigmentation, but being black is a reflection of a mental attitude’.
When are we going to prove this if our daily activities constitute vilification and name-calling?
It is time to extend our horizons of thinking, leave self-gratification and protect our sovereignty together as one.
Ruben S Kanime
Via e-mail
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