By: Niël Terblanché
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the critical role of patriotism in driving Namibia’s development agenda during her speech at the Youth Forge event held at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The event on Thursday was themed ‘Igniting Patriotism; Fuelling Industry,’ and was aimed at inspiring national pride among young Namibians while equipping them with essential industrial skills.
While addressing the gathering, Nandi-Ndaitwah shared her vision of shared prosperity and the Ideal Namibia.
She said that a strong sense of patriotism is vital for overcoming the challenges posed by poor public service delivery and the prevalent individualistic attitudes that hinder national progress.
“Patriotism must be at the core of our development efforts. Without it, we cannot move at the necessary speed to achieve our goals,” she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah proposed incorporating patriotism into the school curriculum, drawing inspiration from countries like Cuba, where national pride is instilled from a young age.
She believes this approach will help cultivate a nationalistic spirit among the youth, fostering a more united and prosperous Namibia.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also addressed the issue of urban migration, identifying it as one of Namibia’s biggest challenges.
She suggested focusing on identifying and developing the skills needed in rural areas to transform them into production hubs, while urban areas could serve as processing centres.
“This approach would reduce the strain on urban infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in rural communities,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also reiterated the significance of sports and creative arts in addressing social issues.
She said that such activities promote mental health, foster patriotism, and help combat social ills such as suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, and poverty.
She called for greater investment in these areas to harness their potential for positive social change.
The Youth Forge event, organized by the NUST, provided a platform for young people to connect with their national identity and heritage.
NUST’s Vice Chancellor, Erold Naomab reiterated the importance of the event in nurturing patriotism and preparing young Namibians for future industry roles.
“This platform is essential for cultivating a sense of national pride among our youth, which is crucial for the future development of our country,” Naomab said.
The event featured a variety of activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and interactive discussions designed to educate and inspire participants.
These activities were aimed at bridging the gap between national pride and the practical skills necessary for Namibia’s industrial sector.
Naomab said the Youth Forge event is seen as a vital step in ensuring that the younger generation is well-prepared to drive the nation’s economic success.
