Reconciling Between Equals

ESTEEMED regards for telling it like it is.

I want to truly explain what reconciliation means. Reconciliation does not mean let us not talk about what happened.It also does not mean passing the buck, such as saying “they also did it”.In essence passing the buck is admitting guilt indirectly (I do not want to dwell on that).It also does not mean you insulted me now I would do this and that.True reconciliation takes place between equals who meet after hostilities between them have ended and work out the details on how to reconcile and forgive one another.This process of mutual attainment of reconciliation can only happen in an atmosphere of respect in which offender and offended express sympathy, compassion, and understanding, and then ask for forgiveness.It should also be noted that we Africans are brothers and we need to reconcile in the right way in order to permanently remove the legacies of apartheid and its mentality that currently prevails between various tribes in Namibia.The first step in reconciliation is the truth, which would amount in the right history being written and then automatically grieve and sorrow, followed by genuine apology, then reconciliation.We also should not engage in individual attacks in the name of reconciliation though nobody is above the law.In Namibia there were people who collaborated with the white racist apartheid regime willingly, unwillingly or out of sheer ignorance.They committed crimes against fellow Namibians.Then there is the other group in exile that committed crimes against fellow exiled people.Both sides committed crimes.These incidences must come to light and wounds opened, and then, permanently healed.There is so much that many people did, be it positive and negative, that is suppressed currently.The wall of silence must be brought down and the floor stripped bare and the truth exposed.Let us account for our deeds – it is never too late.It is time to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission before our history is dead and buried.E P K Tutjavi Via e-mailReconciliation does not mean let us not talk about what happened.It also does not mean passing the buck, such as saying “they also did it”.In essence passing the buck is admitting guilt indirectly (I do not want to dwell on that).It also does not mean you insulted me now I would do this and that.True reconciliation takes place between equals who meet after hostilities between them have ended and work out the details on how to reconcile and forgive one another.This process of mutual attainment of reconciliation can only happen in an atmosphere of respect in which offender and offended express sympathy, compassion, and understanding, and then ask for forgiveness.It should also be noted that we Africans are brothers and we need to reconcile in the right way in order to permanently remove the legacies of apartheid and its mentality that currently prevails between various tribes in Namibia.The first step in reconciliation is the truth, which would amount in the right history being written and then automatically grieve and sorrow, followed by genuine apology, then reconciliation.We also should not engage in individual attacks in the name of reconciliation though nobody is above the law.In Namibia there were people who collaborated with the white racist apartheid regime willingly, unwillingly or out of sheer ignorance.They committed crimes against fellow Namibians.Then there is the other group in exile that committed crimes against fellow exiled people.Both sides committed crimes.These incidences must come to light and wounds opened, and then, permanently healed.There is so much that many people did, be it positive and negative, that is suppressed currently.The wall of silence must be brought down and the floor stripped bare and the truth exposed.Let us account for our deeds – it is never too late.It is time to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission before our history is dead and buried.E P K Tutjavi Via e-mail