Youth speak up about independence celebration

YOUNG Namibians have come out saying they do not know if they should be celebrating independence because of the current state of the country.

According to Natalie Tjipueja (22), Independence Day has lost its purpose because it is no longer about the feeling of freedom. She said she feels that the freedoms Namibians used to enjoy are not there anymore.

“I do not celebrate Independence Day. The last time I did was when I was in primary school when we had to wear our traditional attires,” Tjipueja said.

According to her, Independence Day is supposed to symbolise how much progress the country has made since independence.

“The only thing I have seen is that cost of living has become so expensive, and most people still cannot afford basic needs,” she said.

Harry Rheeder (34) says he is grateful that for 32 years the country has not had any war.

“The strides and steps that have been taken over the past 32 years made the Namibians’ lives better,” he said, adding that he is also reminded of how much more needs to be done in the country.

He said, for instance, so much still needs to be done to improve the lives of physically handicapped people.

For example, he said the current taxi fare is something people are struggling with, especially the visually impaired.

Because taxis charge N$26 to take one home, which is expensive, they are dropped off at a taxi rank or main road and walk home on their own, he said.

“This is impossible because when you are blind you need somebody to guide you until home,” Rheeder added.

Eugene Haingura (22) says there is so much to celebrate even though the country is not at a stage they would like it to be.

The student added that Namibia’s being a sovereign state and recognising human rights indicate good independence.

“As for poverty, that is one crucial thing that the country still needs to work on, as almost half of our population still lives in non-human friendly environment,” he said.

“I do celebrate Independence Day keeping in mind that not all is well in our country, as there is still more that needs to be improved,” he said.

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