Silence Breaker

By Gregory de Vries

“WE SHOULD BE DRAWING OUR CROSSES.”

We have the power to affect change, to impact positively on our society and create the kind of lives we have always dreamt of living. I believe we are standing at the precipice of the most dramatic elections we have ever had in the history of our democracy. I am sure that you are as bewildered by the events leading up to these elections as I am. We have seen the split of people in parties sooner than anyone expected. We have seen brothers that have shared the same struggle, even the same prison cell, turn on each other and attack one another mercilessly. I’m not a fan of politics, but I can see that if I want change then I need to make a cross. Everywhere you turn people are talking

politics. I find this incredibly inspiring. We Namibians are at our best when we are in a crisis. In spite of all the doom and gloom predictions, there is a sense of vitality and urgency that has been injected into the atmosphere. We have the power to affect change, to impact positively on our society and to create the kind of lives we have always dreamt of living. I have learnt that this power remains no matter who holds the political reins. Our generation is making history every day. The events of the present will be analysed and debated for centuries to come. We are living through a difficult time, but a magical one. Freedom is all about choice and in order to know what you want you have to know where we have been and where we are going as a nation. The Act of Liberation is exhilarating, but the responsibility that arises out of it is a painstakingly arduous journey that demands continuous self reflection. Choice is hard. It is hard enough to choose the brand of coffee, clothing or cereal that you like, let alone a political party. Then again, who lied to us and told us that democracy would be easy? The very act of voting gives life to democracy. If you do not go out and vote in these elections, you will have no right to complain about anything that happens. You will have no right to diss any politician, nor will you be able to challenge the policies they create that affect your life. You will not have the right to an opinion, because when it counted most you chose to remain silent. I choose to vote because I know that I stand on the shoulders of people who sacrificed more than I will ever have to so that I could live in a democratic society, and may I say that we are doing a good job. I choose to vote because I believe that human life is about building a legacy. We are responsible for bringing to life a government that is creative, responsive, sensitive, honest and efficient. We must also mirror these qualities in our society. I am tired of us blaming our government for everything that goes wrong in our country but not because they are not responsible. All of us are being asked to be better people than who we think we can be. Every society points towards personal transformation as the solution. So, if you cannot find anyone who inspires you on your ballot, you can always send a strong message by drawing your own face with an “X” next to it at the bottom of the paper, but remember, the future is in your hands. Please, every Bucht go out and vote. Our government is doing a good job, but if you want change, go out and vote!politics. I find this incredibly inspiring. We Namibians are at our best when we are in a crisis. In spite of all the doom and gloom predictions, there is a sense of vitality and urgency that has been injected into the atmosphere. We have the power to affect change, to impact positively on our society and to create the kind of lives we have always dreamt of living. I have learnt that this power remains no matter who holds the political reins. Our generation is making history every day. The events of the present will be analysed and debated for centuries to come. We are living through a difficult time, but a magical one. Freedom is all about choice and in order to know what you want you have to know where we have been and where we are going as a nation. The Act of Liberation is exhilarating, but the responsibility that arises out of it is a painstakingly arduous journey that demands continuous self reflection. Choice is hard. It is hard enough to choose the brand of coffee, clothing or cereal that you like, let alone a political party. Then again, who lied to us and told us that democracy would be easy? The very act of voting gives life to democracy. If you do not go out and vote in these elections, you will have no right to complain about anything that happens. You will have no right to diss any politician, nor will you be able to challenge the policies they create that affect your life. You will not have the right to an opinion, because when it counted most you chose to remain silent. I choose to vote because I know that I stand on the shoulders of people who sacrificed more than I will ever have to so that I could live in a democratic society, and may I say that we are doing a good job. I choose to vote because I believe that human life is about building a legacy. We are responsible for bringing to life a government that is creative, responsive, sensitive, honest and efficient. We must also mirror these qualities in our society. I am tired of us blaming our government for everything that goes wrong in our country but not because they are not responsible. All of us are being asked to be better people than who we think we can be. Every society points towards personal transformation as the solution. So, if you cannot find anyone who inspires you on your ballot, you can always send a strong message by drawing your own face with an “X” next to it at the bottom of the paper, but remember, the future is in your hands. Please, every Bucht go out and vote. Our government is doing a good job, but if you want change, go out and vote!