Who Is A National Hero In Namibia?

AUGUST 26 is known as Heroes’ Day and is a public holiday on the Namibian calendar.

Hundreds of Namibians countrywide will observe this day and reflect on the past: they will remember brave sons and daughters who sacrificed their precious lives for the freedom and independence of their motherland. But the difficult problem facing post-independence Namibia is how to clearly define a hero.In the public domain the word ‘hero’ is easily pronounced but is difficult to define and even its application has proved to be very complex.At times this has provoked controversy.Namibia has been independent for 17 years.As the country matures and seeks to establish a national identity based on solid foundations and shared values such as nation building, reconciliation, unity, economic reconstruction, development and prosperity for all, there is still uncertainty and ambiguity as to who is a national hero and who is not.The ambiguity and uncertainty about who is a national hero in independent Namibia is the centrepiece of my analysis.This is not only a controversial subject in the public domain but raises epistemological and political legitimacy questions.I restrict my analysis to the simple English word ‘hero’.The Oxford dictionary defines the word hero as “a person noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements etc”.Certainly there are mixed views around the definition of the word hero and the manner in which several individuals have been honoured and recognised since the dawn of Independence.The creation of the State-owned Heroes’ Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek and the subsequent burial of departed Namibians at the national shrine has raised eyebrows as to whether we have a commonly agreed definition for a hero or heroine.The other interesting issue is whether heroes are only restricted to Namibians with outstanding liberation struggle credentials coupled with politically connected backgrounds? What seems to be adding flavour to the mixed views is whether a national hero status should be bestowed on a person while he/she is still alive.Or only when he/she passes on? And why is this the case? Most Nobel Laureates are honoured while still alive for outstanding global achievements.This is to encourage recipients to do more for the sake of securing a better world for all.A most recent recipient is Kenya’s no-nonsense Nobel laureate, Wangari Maathai.Since Independence we have heard at rallies and through media reports how the word hero is being interpreted and used to suit different circumstances.Some people simply found comfort in jumping on the bandwagon of ambiguity.If one goes back to the pre-independence era, you realise that the principles of the liberation struggle went beyond independence, freedom and democracy; it was also about justice to all and the creation of fair conditions for a good life and advancement of all Namibians.If we assume heroes are those who made supreme sacrifices for the national independence of this country, it does not fully address the present and future concerns now that the country is politically free and economically challenged with rising unemployment mainly amongst the youth, homelessness, HIV-AIDS and poverty.Where are the champions who could legitimately turn things around in their individual capacity through charisma, appealing personality and to ensure a better life for all? I believe that heroes and heroines exist in the world and each country should clearly define the term and recognise and honour its national heroes.It appears the problem in Namibia lies in the emerging political culture which allows limited dialogue on the subject and other matters of national importance.It probably explains why senior headman Peter Kauluma posed his question to Government in the presence of President Hifikepunye Pohamba during the memorial service of the late bishop of the Anglican Church, James Hamupanda Kauluma, at Ongula ya Netanga village in the North.He knew well about the supreme sacrifices and outstanding struggle credentials inside the country of the late Bishop, and the fact that the country is known to be home to about 95 per cent Christians, which is a significant constituency in political terms.Senior headman Kauluma questioned bluntly as to who is a hero in Namibia.The lack of an immediate reply to his question may confirm that the battle of new ideas in modern history is still to be fought.The uncertainty about national heroism explains at least two things.Either there is no agreed definition for the term hero, or it is simply a matter of difficulty to measure once defined.Like any other political endeavour, it seems this has become a struggle for power and supremacy.For instance if a Namibian becomes a Nobel Laureate today, would it automatically translate in him/her being accorded Namibian national hero status? The spirit of voluntarism appears to be evaporating in a capitalist and materialist post-independent society but obvious challenges facing the majority of Namibian people remain visible.The country therefore needs grassroots campaigners who are geared towards improving the quality of people’s lives.A post-independence national hero is the one who appeals to all and makes a difference in the life of ordinary Namibians.This does not necessarily mean using the resources of employers.A hero must have the ability to capture the imagination of a broader Namibian society, and win the hearts and minds of Namibians.It would be a historical suicidal act if the country politicised the process of honouring sons and daughters who excelled in various professions.It is time we undergo a shift in focus.Let us take note of great sportsmen and women, actors, academics, great talents in politics, diplomacy, academia, literature, science, breakthrough in economics and professionals who epitomise Namibian success, honour and style.The hero is one who appeals to greater society and leaves behind a huge legacy.To avoid ambiguity, I therefore propose that Cabinet should sponsor a national dialogue on this important national subject with a view to establish an independent commission of men and women of all talents.Such a commission will be tasked inter alia with the selection process of heroes and heroines throughout the Land of the Brave.I strongly suggest that it take into account the person’s human rights record, contribution towards human enlightenment and development of his/her country, the rule of law and promoting unity in Namibia.Anything short of that is a betrayal to Namibians in particular and Africans in general.I further argue that Government should insist that the commission consists of eminent personalities carefully selected and representing diverse professional backgrounds.Such a body should be mandated to appoint a competent, apolitical and impartial judging panel to consider nominations from the greater public as to who is to be accorded the honour of national hero.A bottom-up approach is crucial in identifying who would-be national heroes and heroines.Ordinary people should be encouraged to recommend and motivate who they think is fit for such an award.* Fluksman Samuehl is a scholar of international relations, former Member of Parliament and a PhD candidate at the Scottish University of St Andrews.But the difficult problem facing post-independence Namibia is how to clearly define a hero.In the public domain the word ‘hero’ is easily pronounced but is difficult to define and even its application has proved to be very complex.At times this has provoked controversy.Namibia has been independent for 17 years.As the country matures and seeks to establish a national identity based on solid foundations and shared values such as nation building, reconciliation, unity, economic reconstruction, development and prosperity for all, there is still uncertainty and ambiguity as to who is a national hero and who is not.The ambiguity and uncertainty about who is a national hero in independent Namibia is the centrepiece of my analysis.This is not only a controversial subject in the public domain but raises epistemological and political legitimacy questions.I restrict my analysis to the simple English word ‘hero’.The Oxford dictionary defines the word hero as “a person noted or admired for nobility, courage, outstanding achievements etc”.Certainly there are mixed views around the definition of the word hero and the manner in which several individuals have been honoured and recognised since the dawn of Independence.The creation of the State-owned Heroes’ Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek and the subsequent burial of departed Namibians at the national shrine has raised eyebrows as to whether we have a commonly agreed definition for a hero or heroine.The other interesting issue is whether heroes are only restricted to Namibians with outstanding liberation struggle credentials coupled with politically connected backgrounds? What seems to be adding flavour to the mixed views is whether a national hero status should be bestowed on a person while he/she is still alive.Or only when he/she passes on? And why is this the case? Most Nobel Laureates are honoured while still alive for outstanding global achievements.This is to encourage recipients to do more for the sake of securing a better world for all.A most recent recipient is Kenya’s no-nonsense Nobel laureate, Wangari Maathai.Since Independence we have heard at rallies and through media reports how the word hero is being interpreted and used to suit different circumstances.Some people simply found comfort in jumping on the bandwagon of ambiguity.If one goes back to the pre-independence era, you realise that the principles of the liberation struggle went beyond independence, freedom and democracy; it was also about justice to all and the creation of fair conditions for a good life and advancement of all Namibians.If we assume heroes are those who made supreme sacrifices for the national independence of this country, it does not fully address the present and future concerns now that the country is politically free and economically challenged with rising unemployment mainly amongst the youth, homelessness, HIV-AIDS and poverty.Where are the champions who could legitimately turn things around in their individual capacity through charisma, appealing personality and to ensure a better life for all? I believe that heroes and heroines exist in the world and each country should clearly define the term and recognise and honour its national heroes.It appears the problem in Namibia lies in the emerging political culture which allows limited dialogue on the subject and other matters of national importance.It probably explains why senior headman Peter Kauluma posed his question to Government in the presence of President Hifikepunye Pohamba during the memorial service of the late bishop of the Anglican Church, James Hamupanda Kauluma, at Ongula ya Netanga village in the North.He knew well about the supreme sacrifices and outstanding struggle credentials inside the country of the late Bishop, and the fact that the country is known to be home to about 95 per cent Christians, which is a significant constituency in political terms.Senior headman Kauluma questioned bluntly as to who is a hero in Namibia.The lack of an immediate reply to his question may confirm that the battle of new ideas in modern history is still to be fought.The uncertainty about national heroism explains at least two things.Either there is no agreed definition for the term hero, or it is simply a matter of difficulty to measure once defined.Like any other political endeavour, it seems this has become a struggle for power and supremacy.For instance if a Namibian becomes a Nobel Laureate today, would it automatically translate in him/her being accorded Namibian national hero status? The spirit of voluntarism appears to be evaporating in a capitalist and materialist post-independent society but obvious challenges facing the majority of Namibian people remain visible.The country therefore needs grassroots campaigners who are geared towards improving the quality of people’s lives.A post-independence national hero is the one who appeals to all and makes a difference in the life of ordinary Namibians.This does not necessarily mean using the resources of employers.A hero must have the ability to capture the imagination of a broader Namibian society, and win the hearts and minds of Namibians.It would be a historical suicidal act if the country politicised the process of honouring sons and daughters who excelled in various professions.It is time we undergo a shift in focus.Let us take note of great sportsmen and women, actors, academics, great talents in politics, diplomacy, academia, literature, science, breakthrough in economics and professionals who epitomise Namibian success, honour and style.The hero is one who appeals to greater society and leaves behind a huge legacy.To avoid ambiguity, I therefore propose that Cabinet should sponsor a national dialogue on this important national subject with a view to establish an independent commission of men and women of all talents.Such a commission will be tasked inter alia with the selection process of heroes and heroines throughout the Land of the Brave.I strongly suggest that it take into account the person’s human rights record, contribution towards human enlightenment and development of his/her country, the rule of law and promoting unity in Namibia.Anything short of that is a betrayal to Namibians in particular and Africans in general.I further argue that Government should insist that the commission consists of eminent personalities carefully selected and representing diverse professional backgrounds.Such a body should be mandated to appoint a competent, apolitical and impartial judging panel to consider nominations from the greater public as to who is to be accorded the honour of national hero.A bottom-up approach is crucial in identifying who would-be national heroes and heroines.Ordinary people should be encouraged to recommend and motivate who they think is fit for such an award.* Fluksman Samuehl is a scholar of international relations, former Member of Parliament and a PhD candidate at the Scottish University of St Andrews.