By Marx Itamalo |
CORRUPTION and tribalism are cancers that are destroying nations, hampering progress and prosperity in the process.
The minister of Urban and Rural development Sankwasa James Sankwasa made this observation while speaking on Saturday during Ohangwena region’s celebrations of Namibia’s 36th year of independence which was held at Oshikango, in the town of Helao Nafidi.
“These two cancers undermine the country’s unity and development,” he stated.
“Independence was not won by one tribe. It was a collective effort by all Namibians united in the fight for freedom,” he pointed out.
The minister stressed that many Namibians feel excluded from certain areas, when it comes to opportunities despite political freedom. This, he said, is all due to tribalism and discrimination.
He stressed that this gives him sleepless nights as a national leader.
“It is troubling that even today, some Namibians do not feel free in their own country. Tribalism and racism continue to divide us and deny people equal opportunities,” Sankwasa indicated.
He stressed that corruption remains a serious threat to service delivery and economic growth. He implored citizens to shun corruption and tribalism, adding that the two weaken development and national progress.
“If corruption continues, how will Namibia grow? Those who engage in corrupt activities must be identified and held accountable,” he noted, further calling on Namibians to uphold integrity and work together to build a united and prosperous nation.
At the same event, the governor of Ohangwena Kadiva Hamutumwa urged Namibians especially the youth to unite and develop Namibia and make it a peaceful country.
She thus asked them to learn from history and emulate the heroic deeds of freedom fighters such as Tobias Hainyeko, Naboth Helao Nafidi and many others, while at the same time thanking neighbouring Angola for her support during the struggle for liberation.
The governor further implored the country’s youth to unite against imperialism and stressed that Namibia is in solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela.
In the photo: The minister of urban and rural development Mr Sankwasa James Sankwasa.
