Students help eradicate racism

With only a few days left before Namibia celebrates its 22nd year of independence, the University of Namibia’s Sociology Society held an information sharing session on tribalism and racism in the country, this week. Speaking at the session, Namibian newspaper editor, Tangeni Amupadhi stressed that tribalism, racism and prejudices thrive where there is ignorance.
Bishop Zephania Kameeta was also among the panellists and reflected how he was verbally attacked after talking about the presence of tribalism and corruption in the Namibian society, nine years ago.
“It is not wrong to belong to a tribe or race, but the problem starts when this tribe or race becomes ‘the tribe / race’ above others,” said Kameeta.
He also highlighted the destruction tribalism and racism are causing in society. “We are destroying our dreams for a better Namibia and visions such as vision 2030, a dream to live in unity and peace. The continuation of racism and tribalism is a scandal in this 21st century, which shall make all of us very much ashamed in the eyes of the world. We stand accused by our past generations and generations yet to be born,” Kameeta said.
The audience also had a chance to ask the panel questions. Among the questions asked were why school children are not taught indigenous languages apart from their mother tongues; and why our sense of identities are limited to our tribes.
One student emphasised that immature political practices and the ignorance of young voices by elders in leadership positions, are the contributors of tribalism and racism.
The session was organised by UNAM’s sociology students.