Celebrating Namibia’s Nationhood

Tomorrow Namibians celebrate 35 years of nationhood on a public holiday set aside for the annual commemoration of the attainment of independence after a prolonged struggle for liberation.

It is an important day for Namibians, across demographics and of all ages, as it provides an opportunity to express appreciation for our independent nation.

It is a chance to celebrate our remarkable country with its diversity and unique fauna and flora, and an opportunity to promote nationhood and foster national pride.

Every geographical region of this country is so different, yet each is breathtakingly beautiful.

As one travels the country, it is not difficult to comprehend the extent to which the diverse individuals living in Namibia’s capital city, towns, villages and settlements have contributed to the development of the nation.

The excellent road infrastructure makes it enjoyable to traverse the country from top to bottom and east to the west, as I am fortunate to experience frequently in my job.

Namibians are friendly and helpful individuals, and in my daily interactions with them, their respect for the rights and the property of others is evident.

The increase in tourist arrival numbers, underscored by the high number of return visits, indicates the country’s popularity as a destination for a holiday.

Nevertheless, there is a downside. And unfortunately, there is more than one issue to consider.

Examples include a relatively high percentage of poverty in a relatively wealthy country, which does come as a surprise in a land with such abundant resources, above and below the ground.

Namibia is still ranked one of the most unequal countries in the world, and in most urban areas there is a visible divide in the standard and quality of dwellings found in residential suburbs.

There is an abundance of excellent sporting and recreational facilities in the suburbs populated by the ‘haves – and the absence thereof in the townships and informal settlements where the ‘have-nots’ reside.

The same distinction is applicable to the standard of school buildings, healthcare facilities and even the areas where business is conducted.

The inauguration of Namibia’s fifth president and the first woman to lead the country makes tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations extra special.

All eyes will be on incoming president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to see how she tackles challenges and designs strategies for redress, and who she selects to join her team of implementers.

Moving forward, making changes and implementing corrective strategies is not only her duty, but a shared responsibility for the entire nation.

Foreigners who have chosen to invest in and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development will join Namibians in celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, and we wish the country a great deal of success going forward.

• Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com