Violence Is Not The Answer

ALLOW me to express my views on the political violence that took place at Outapi on November 8 2009 as reported in print media. As a peace-loving and law-abiding citizen, I would like to strongly condemn the political standoff that happened between RDP and Swapo at Outapi.

Equally, I would like to call on all the peace loving Namibians to condemn the unruly behaviour of some of the voters. It is a high time that political party supporters and sympathisers conduct themselves properly during political campaigns.Let the spirit of ‘One Namibia One Nation’ bind us together as a nation despite our political differences and ideologies. Physical political confrontation will not take our country anywhere but can only drag it into chaos and instability. To my mind, the best way to show strength in the political arena is through well-articulated political ideologies as well as through the ballot box. Our country does not need people who are good at physical fighting but it requires the best brains. The country requires people to tackle social issues such as unemployment, corruption, crime rate, gender-based violence etc.Let us listen to the message of peace and tolerance that His Excellency President Pohamba and Our Father of the Nation Dr Nujoma have been preaching all along. Other elders must also speak out against political violence. Mandela once said ‘The elders can become role models, they will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair’. To my fellow youth I say let us fight for the economic emancipation of our country and avoid political violence. Go and vote.Salomo I M Ya NambingaVia e-mail