Ndatyoonawa Tshilunga – Nelumbu, alias Onime Ya Tshilunga.
A myrmecologist is a person who engages themselves in the research and study of ants. For centuries scientists have been studying ant colonies and continue to make findings of crucial hypothesis that can enable leaders to manage their nations better, as ants incorporate superior communism systems with fascinating social organization structures which we will explore later in this article.
Though decorated with many definitions, a colony is a multifaceted expression referring to a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country as the legendary national geographic puts it. What a fancy word for such an anti- indigenous action. With a more imperialistic sway, the two main pillars of colonial dominations are social and political.
The colonial structure is simple. There is a mother country, which contrary to the more common nurturing nature of a mother does not exactly provide maternal direction but has a more aggressive approach which includes having a military presence which by default, orders and controls the colonial state and its people, for economic pursuits, having an equal consequence of a flourishing development in the Mother Country. The analogy of slave and master would perfectly stimulate the befitting visual imagery for this explanation or even the post-independence relationship between Namibia and her former Colonizers. Resources of the colonial state are depleted and the indigenous people exploited while the colonizers develop their own countries through this system. A system we have inherited and should stop trying to adapt to.
That is how a colony is run in the human scope. An ant colony however appreciates a rather slightly different complex and socialistic perspective. The Leadership for one, as opposed to being an aggressive and autocratic bearded group of settlers, is run by a graceful and very strategic queen. With more of a communal and social enriched approach the colonies of the ant queendoms consist of a driven population of workers, reproductive individuals, and offspring that live together honoring a system that is highly reliant on cooperation and non-aggressively progressive behavior. The Individual ants over anything else, prioritize the colony needs over personal advancement, similarly to communisms which has the aim of equal resource distribution for all.
The results of this type of society structure is commendable. The way of living is synonymous to the African societal relationships that we once shared as a continent and in our village communities of being interlinked and interdependent. Of course a Hierarchy exists, but a rather healthy one where a sense of belonging is celebrated. The “Ant Queen” recognizes that the quality of life for her people are essential for her success and survival and subsequently. Though as her title may insist she is an oppressor, she hovers around a succession planning strategy and takes ownership of her colony through a state of the art tunnel communication, which is well engineered.
Who would have known that a microscopic creature can teach the human race a thing or two on a socialism and communism hybrid system? With a lifespan of nearly 20 years these colonies are built on great strategies that can enable countries like Namibia, to completely break free from the mental slavery or colonial hangover, a term often embraced by the renown Pan Africanist, Lumumba. The Ant Colony’s should be studied and appreciated as Mother Nature embeds possible solutions for the African problems we are experiencing in this modern age which will continue affecting our future generations if not solved. Namibia needs to rebuild social structures which benefit the people and break away from the current structures which were created by our former Masters. Namibians no longer benefit from this system as it has shape shifted. The outdated laws for one which are anti-progressive continue to enslave us.
The fallen, son of the soil, Sam Nujoma founding President of Namibia, was adamant that “a United people striving to achieve a common goal for all members of society will always emerge victorious.” This is not a theory but a proven fact, treasured in successful ant colonies. Namibia is all we have and long lasting solutions are to be introduced and implemented together. We are to adopt a sense of Nationalism today more than ever as the Old Master will never save us. Especially the youth. We are to desist using our status as previously disadvantaged as a tool to be wreck less about our future. We have been conferred all the weapons of hard work, persistence and patriotism by those who fought for this country and should not take this inheritance for granted but rather fight the great war of equal distribution of wealth for all meticulously.
I end with the famous words of our fallen Mountain, of whose teachings shall stand forever and serve as a compass to our National destination: We are now the Master of this vast land of our ancestors. The destiny of our Country is fully in our hands. We should therefore look forward to the future with confidence and hope.
Ndatyoonawa Tshilunga-Onime is a passionate Construction Economist and self-identified Social Engineer, dedicated to creating sustainable, impactful solutions for Namibian society. With a focus on social housing, Ndatyoonawa is committed to addressing the nation’s challenges through thoughtful, long-lasting design. Currently pursuing a Postgraduate degree in Development Finance, Ndatyoonawa’ s work bridges the gap between economics, infrastructure, and social well-being. Previously, Ndatyoonawa served as a Board Member at NCAQS, further contributing to the development of Namibia’s built environment and its communities.
