1. The contemporary Namibian hero
Submitted by Sun Reporter2 on Tue, 2011-08-23 09:01
Article 32 (3) (h) of the Namibian Constitution gives the president the power to confer upon citizens such
honours as that of Namibian hero.
“A hero is a person who has made significant contribution to the betterment of a region or the Namibian nation
through economic, social, scientific, academic, public administration, security or any other field of human
endeavour”.
My personal observation of the conferment of honours by the president is that it is biased towards people who
partook in the liberation struggle and are members of the ruling party SWAPO.
It does not augur well for a democracy to maintain such an exclusive approach to the recognition of individuals
who, through their actions, have managed to inspire the vast majority of our countrymen.
Namibia, over the years, has managed to produce a handful of individuals who have made significant strides
towards the betterment of our country and its people and the recognition of these individuals by the State can
inspire citizens to emulate their example.
Three such notable names in the Namibian context include Michelle Mclean (Miss Universe) 1992, who has
accomplished, through her foundation, the upliftment of Namibian youth by offering education opportunities to
children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Michelle Mclean Children’s Trust as a non-profit organisation
captures the essence of true heroism.
Frankie Fredricks, a name renowned the world over for his magnificent feats at the Atlanta and Barcelona
Olympics, is the personification of every young boys’ childhood dream of accomplishment on the world stage.
His story inspires people from all walks of life that greatness can be achieved. His is an authentic Namibian
story that will be told for generations to come.
Dr. Helena Ndume, an eye specialist who many a times has given renewed hope to young and old alike by
rendering a national service in the restoration of people’s eye-sight. Dr. Ndumes’ name has become
synonymous with heroism to her patients whose lives have been transformed by her deeds.
Heroes Day offers us as a nation a chance to take stock of our past by paying homage to those who have long
passed and to contemplate our present with regard to how we are shaping our future.

2. It is also a day in which we draw inspiration from our contemporary Namibian heroes and salute them in their
accomplishments and re-tell their story to our little ones so that they are inspired.
Our President has the power to bestow such honours on our heroes on a national platform.
My wish is that he exercises his authority with an all-inclusive approach to the recognition of heroes in our
land of the brave.
Letters
Author:
Vitalio Angula