Since When Is ‘Uncle’ An Insult?

IT is high time that we wake up and smell the coffee.

Namibia has been enjoying peace and political stability for 17 years. Therefore, we should strive for a more economic environment.Listening to NBC National Chat Show programme of 04 June 2007, I have realised that some Namibians are very confused and frustrated.On that programme, one of the callers decided to order the NBC radio to cut off anyone who called Sam Nujoma an uncle.In addition, he explained that the only person (s) who has the right to call Nujoma uncle is his (Nujoma’s) biological niece or nephew.I would request the caller to briefly explain me to me: Was he given mandate by Nujoma to announce this or did he do it in his own capacity? On the other hand, did he give this order on behalf of Mr Kandetu, the NBC Director General? Has the caller forgotten what the word uncle means? Is this the way we are planning to reach Vision 2030 in terms of educating new generation? I want to remind the caller that the word uncle, or “tatekulu” in Oshiwambo, was not invented in 2004.It has been here, is here and will be here forever.As a tradition, children learn this word at first speaking stage, because it is considered as one of the well-mannered words.From early childhood, we were taught to call everyone uncle, aunt, father, mother and an endless list of words with no biological linkage at all.It should be well understood that as a nation, we recognise and are proud of the title given to Dr Nujoma as the Founding President and Father of the Nation.On the other hand, he is our uncle as nature dictated and it is a fact that we cannot ignore.I am hundred per cent sure that the purpose of the programme is to educate one another.To discuss issues with fruitful ideas for the building collectively of this country, which I believe many devoted Namibians will agree with.So, political issues should be reserved for political meetings at appropriate platforms.Ndeshihafela Ruben WindhoekTherefore, we should strive for a more economic environment.Listening to NBC National Chat Show programme of 04 June 2007, I have realised that some Namibians are very confused and frustrated.On that programme, one of the callers decided to order the NBC radio to cut off anyone who called Sam Nujoma an uncle.In addition, he explained that the only person (s) who has the right to call Nujoma uncle is his (Nujoma’s) biological niece or nephew.I would request the caller to briefly explain me to me: Was he given mandate by Nujoma to announce this or did he do it in his own capacity? On the other hand, did he give this order on behalf of Mr Kandetu, the NBC Director General? Has the caller forgotten what the word uncle means? Is this the way we are planning to reach Vision 2030 in terms of educating new generation? I want to remind the caller that the word uncle, or “tatekulu” in Oshiwambo, was not invented in 2004.It has been here, is here and will be here forever.As a tradition, children learn this word at first speaking stage, because it is considered as one of the well-mannered words.From early childhood, we were taught to call everyone uncle, aunt, father, mother and an endless list of words with no biological linkage at all.It should be well understood that as a nation, we recognise and are proud of the title given to Dr Nujoma as the Founding President and Father of the Nation.On the other hand, he is our uncle as nature dictated and it is a fact that we cannot ignore.I am hundred per cent sure that the purpose of the programme is to educate one another.To discuss issues with fruitful ideas for the building collectively of this country, which I believe many devoted Namibians will agree with.So, political issues should be reserved for political meetings at appropriate platforms.Ndeshihafela Ruben Windhoek