Democracy in Namibia is slowly being weakened as people place more loyalty in political parties, ethnic groups and churches than in truth and good leadership.
This was said by academic Joseph Diescho during a Muzokumwe public engagement meeting held at Rundu in the Kavango East region on Friday.
He said democracy used to be built on active and informed citizens who took responsibility for their communities and their country.
However, that idea is slowly disappearing, he added.
“Today, instead of citizens, we are becoming tribesmen,” Diescho said.
He explained that in the past, people could be grouped into three types: those who only cared about themselves, those who showed some interest in society, and true citizens who understood how their country worked and took part in shaping it.
According to Diescho, this has changed.
“People now define themselves by party colours, religion or ethnic identity. This creates division instead of understanding,” he said.
He added that loyalty to groups has replaced loyalty to truth.
“Many political choices are now driven by emotion and survival, not by values or principle,” Diescho said.
He stated that real education and scholarship should serve the public.
“Scholarship is the highest form of public service. It requires honesty, courage and commitment to the truth, even when it is uncomfortable,” he said.
Diescho warned that when people stop questioning leaders, democracy becomes weaker, adding that corruption and incompetence make the situation worse.
“When leaders use public office for personal gain or act without knowing what they are doing, public trust is destroyed,” he said.
He said ordinary citizens are partly to blame.
“Many people only take part on election day. They vote, complain, and then disappear. There is little follow-up or holding leaders accountable.”
As a result, Diescho said, democracy becomes a habit instead of a shared responsibility.
He said democracy can still be protected if citizens become more active and informed.
“Leadership must be about service, not control. True leaders walk with the people and work with what they already have,” he said.
“Democracy must be protected and renewed by citizens who care more about the future than about tribal loyalty.”
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