Hope For The Future

THE readers’ letter in support of the principles of Rule of Law in ‘The Namibian’ of July 10 2009 by Dr. Shejavali has reminded me of the reprimand by the Churches of the former Head of State of Namibia as well as the current incumbent concerning their recent cynical utterances.

The resolve demonstrated by the Church Leaders in the defence of basic human rights has given me some hope with regard to the future of our society and of course, our country. For the same reason I am sincerely grateful for Dr. Shejavali’s’ recent letter, which I can only endorse wholeheartedly. There are by far too few citizens who have the courage to contradict the powerful when they act irresponsibly. Although I suspect that much of what is being articulated by some leaders in political and Trade Union circles might be attributed to foolhardiness and a lack of understanding of the spirit and letter of our Constitution, I nevertheless suspect that more often than not the pursuit of power is at the root of cynicism and the plain lack of civility. Even more menacing is the practice by so many politicians, Trade Union leaders and civil servants in responsible positions, to hide behind the power of their title and status when confronted with their actions. All refuse every bit of accountability. It is not only in Parliament that the reaction of deafening silence when accountability is called for suffocates the dynamics of democracy. There can be no doubt that the unwillingness of those in power to be held accountable dodges the principles of the Constitution with contempt – such as basic Human Rights and the Rule of Law – the basic law of which we all without exception profess to be so very proud. Small wonder thus that a growing number of us view the relentless drift towards a sham democracy with increasing trepidation.The CCN (Council of Churches of Namibia) has made an invaluable contribution to the process that culminated in the Independence of Namibia, highly regarded by the (allegedly democratic) political leadership at the time. I am certain that the Churches will persist to have a say in the stabilisation of a true democracy and will help build a society that respects every single principle enshrined in the Constitution. They can hardly do otherwise. This is reassuring and gives me hope for the future. Hans-Erik Staby Windhoek