Selling Our Souls

THE Cold War ended and capitalism prevailed, what a great opportunity for a “being”.

Capitalism in a nutshell advocates for the survival of the fittest and thus people challenge themselves to become what s/he never imagined. Not only did capitalist ideology prevail, it brought with it globalisation.For some of us, the earth seems to be spinning so fast that it could move out of the orbit of the sun.This is how globalisation has consumed us.What am I driving at, you might ask? The reason we have a high rate of unemployment, crime, poverty, ignorance and many ills of society is because of the current social system that we have so gladly applied.The extent to which Namibian society has compromised our morals and values is high.We seem to have got to a point where we might just as well sell our souls.The African philosopher teaches us that “we are because of others” – have we not lost ourselves by giving up on others? One thing I have realised is how quick Africans are to protect what is African for Africa when it is convenient for them, but don’t practice what is African, like giving a helping hand to those who mostly need it.We seem to be driven more by self-indulgence than by humane considerations.The fact of the matter is that those young people roaming the street of Windhoek, Oshakati etc….and those seeking jobs are your people.If you don’t help them to help themselves they will return to you one day and forcibly take what you have worked hard for.The economic and social system we so gladly adhere to doesn’t accommodate the previously disadvantaged youth.We need to look at this situation with great care if we are to reduce the effect on the destructive and disoriented youth that we are grooming.As youth leaders, it pains us to have to read about women abuse and young criminals.What values do you bring to life if you go to jail at 18 and return in your 40s? What clear conscience and moral values do you have? The Government has opened many doors of opportunities for young people to find their niche.We ask the citizens working in youth organisation services to help the voiceless, and awaken them to the realisation of their true potential.B.Nakaambo, WindhoekNot only did capitalist ideology prevail, it brought with it globalisation.For some of us, the earth seems to be spinning so fast that it could move out of the orbit of the sun.This is how globalisation has consumed us.What am I driving at, you might ask? The reason we have a high rate of unemployment, crime, poverty, ignorance and many ills of society is because of the current social system that we have so gladly applied.The extent to which Namibian society has compromised our morals and values is high.We seem to have got to a point where we might just as well sell our souls.The African philosopher teaches us that “we are because of others” – have we not lost ourselves by giving up on others? One thing I have realised is how quick Africans are to protect what is African for Africa when it is convenient for them, but don’t practice what is African, like giving a helping hand to those who mostly need it.We seem to be driven more by self-indulgence than by humane considerations.The fact of the matter is that those young people roaming the street of Windhoek, Oshakati etc….and those seeking jobs are your people.If you don’t help them to help themselves they will return to you one day and forcibly take what you have worked hard for.The economic and social system we so gladly adhere to doesn’t accommodate the previously disadvantaged youth.We need to look at this situation with great care if we are to reduce the effect on the destructive and disoriented youth that we are grooming.As youth leaders, it pains us to have to read about women abuse and young criminals.What values do you bring to life if you go to jail at 18 and return in your 40s? What clear conscience and moral values do you have? The Government has opened many doors of opportunities for young people to find their niche.We ask the citizens working in youth organisation services to help the voiceless, and awaken them to the realisation of their true potential.B.Nakaambo, Windhoek