Social media is killing our heritage – Baster kaptein

Rehoboth’s elders are warning that excessive social media use is undermining Namibian heritage, respect for elders, and traditional cultural values, especially among the youth.

This was Baster kaptein Jacky Britz’ message at the opening of Namibian Heritage Week 2025 at Rehoboth last week.

The week-long event, aimed at displaying Namibia’s different cultures, historic backgrounds and natural heritage, was held at the town’s youth complex.

This year’s theme was ‘Bahindi Belambi Iye Chizo Chetu’, which is Subiya for ‘Torchbearers of Our Heritage’.

“Social media has a negative influence on our heritage and culture. Many people – both old and young – have become addicted to social media.

Some people are neglecting what they were taught while growing up,” Britz said.

Britz said the inappropriate use of social media has caused many people to neglect “their good manners”.
Some people are seen on their cellphones almost everywhere they go, he said.

“I see youngsters on social media and playing games even during church services. Some people are so busy on their phones that they don’t even get up in church when they must.

It is sad to see that many people don’t even have respect for the church,” Britz said.

He said he has noticed that during some ongoing workshops some people would be on social media and later they would ask many questions about what was said because they did not listen properly and were focused on their cellphone.

“Our beautiful culture to respect people has now become a thing of the past because some people are most of the time on their cellphones,” he said.

Britz said he often sees parliamentarians on their cellphones during an ongoing session.
He said this behaviour sets a bad example to the youth.

“It is not okay to be on your cellphone during meetings. Our elders taught us that such behaviour is disrespectful. We must never forget what our elders have taught us,” he said.

Britz said every Namibian must be a torchbearer of heritage and culture.

“We, especially the youth, must carry the heritage torch at all times for the sake of the future generations.

“Our heritage and culture is very important, because it defines us,” he said.

Britz further encouraged the youth to always respect their elders. He said it is part of the Baster culture.

Mara Rittmann (65) says gone are days when an elder could ask a youngster a favour and they would comply immediately.

“We as children used to do something instructed by an elder immediately, but youngsters today will say something like ‘let me first finish checking my feed on Facebook’.

“I would often also hear them say ‘I will do that later, I’m busy posting something online’.

This is not right, because it shows disrespect. To respect people is part of our heritage,” she says.

Ben Beukes (67) says many people are using social media for the wrong purposes.

“Excessive social media use can negatively affect young people. Social media are very good platforms when used right.

I would like to urge those using social media to watch and read positive things as negative things can have a negative impact on their lives.

“Let’s always have good manners and be humble as this is what we were taught by our elders. Let us not destroy our good heritage because of the wrong use of social media.”

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