Tired Of Broken Promises

THE spinning rumours and finger pointing on Namibia’s latest political party are all but confusing for many that have being following the witch-hunt within Swapo

Rally for Democracy and Progress has not been formed by frustrated and power-hungry individuals, as some would want other people to believe. To even call them “opportunists” is a big lie.An opportunist is “a person who does whatever is advantageous without regard for principles”.And a classical Namibian example is our presidential third term that messed up our Constitution, or one can still cite the N$500 million “White Elephant” built for one man at the expense of homeless Namibians.Also, we must remember that the team can perform badly when captained by a personality that lacks a vision and organisational skills in governing a country.Idi Amin could easily fit the glove, so do Mugabe and his clones.Therefore, RDP was founded by concerned Namibians that finally got fed-up with Swapo and its sham democratic practices.We saw how Jesaya Nyamu tried to hang onto Swapo by appealing his expulsion.And so was Hidipo Hamutenya’s case which was designed to humiliate him, but he stood firm in Swapo even when he could not secure a parliamentary seat.Those two demonstrated a high level of discipline and commitment to Swapo but instead were treated like lepers.Compared to certain individuals whose ego could not swallow demotions.Therefore, we cannot turn around and start blaming them for having finally built a political party that brings renewed hope for many desolate lives.RDP should not be viewed as a threat to Namibia’s peace and stability as some personalities in Government are trying to mislead and distort the truth.Instead, we must focus on the task at hand, and spell out our successes and failures should we want to win the next elections.And for those brand new parties that have never led the country before, unfold the political programme.People want to know and have a glimpse of what separates you from the rest of the pack, because after almost two decades Namibians are still waiting for the liberation promises, i.e.the eradication of matchbox houses and bucket system, which we were made to think are apartheid symbols only to find ourselves living in squatter camps with no basic necessities like running water and sanitation.Equally, are we subjected to daily discrimination in our workplace and regional development.So is the national cake being unfairly distributed, thus betraying people’s trust? Look at our Cabinet ministers, and ask if Namibia is real a multicultural society that is represented at the highest level of Government.Will RDP address all those concerns should they form the next Government? It is only time that will tell, but as citizens that expect more from RDP – we have to give in our backing and loyalty for our dreams, and aspirations to come true.Otherwise, it will all be a futile exercise.For pessimists, think about UNIP and Kaunda in Zambia – nothing is impossible.When people are tired of broken promises, change does come.Last, but not least – The RDP leadership must keep up the momentum.Mulife Muchali Vancouver, CanadaTo even call them “opportunists” is a big lie.An opportunist is “a person who does whatever is advantageous without regard for principles”.And a classical Namibian example is our presidential third term that messed up our Constitution, or one can still cite the N$500 million “White Elephant” built for one man at the expense of homeless Namibians.Also, we must remember that the team can perform badly when captained by a personality that lacks a vision and organisational skills in governing a country.Idi Amin could easily fit the glove, so do Mugabe and his clones.Therefore, RDP was founded by concerned Namibians that finally got fed-up with Swapo and its sham democratic practices.We saw how Jesaya Nyamu tried to hang onto Swapo by appealing his expulsion.And so was Hidipo Hamutenya’s case which was designed to humiliate him, but he stood firm in Swapo even when he could not secure a parliamentary seat.Those two demonstrated a high level of discipline and commitment to Swapo but instead were treated like lepers.Compared to certain individuals whose ego could not swallow demotions.Therefore, we cannot turn around and start blaming them for having finally built a political party that brings renewed hope for many desolate lives.RDP should not be viewed as a threat to Namibia’s peace and stability as some personalities in Government are trying to mislead and distort the truth.Instead, we must focus on the task at hand, and spell out our successes and failures should we want to win the next elections.And for those brand new parties that have never led the country before, unfold the political programme.People want to know and have a glimpse of what separates you from the rest of the pack, because after almost two decades Namibians are still waiting for the liberation promises, i.e.the eradication of matchbox houses and bucket system, which we were made to think are apartheid symbols only to find ourselves living in squatter camps with no basic necessities like running water and sanitation.Equally, are we subjected to daily discrimination in our workplace and regional development.So is the national cake being unfairly distributed, thus betraying people’s trust? Look at our Cabinet ministers, and ask if Namibia is real a multicultural society that is represented at the highest level of Government.Will RDP address all those concerns should they form the next Government? It is only time that will tell, but as citizens that expect more from RDP – we have to give in our backing and loyalty for our dreams, and aspirations to come true.Otherwise, it will all be a futile exercise.For pessimists, think about UNIP and Kaunda in Zambia – nothing is impossible.When people are tired of broken promises, change does come.Last, but not least – The RDP leadership must keep up the momentum.Mulife Muchali Vancouver, Canada