Upholding the rule of law
The Namibian constitution, adopted on independence in 1990, is still hailed as a model for many countries.
Namibians have an obligation to protect and uphold the rule of law, Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi said yesterday.
As Namibians mark Constitution Day, Katjavivi has implored citizens to cultivate a culture of understanding and respect for the country's rule of law.
On 9 February 1990, the Namibian constitution was adopted in Windhoek and is regarded one of the finest and most modern piece of legislation on the continent. Katjavivi this week emphasised the need that the constitution be made accessible to the general public through translations and public outreaches in order to uplift the lives of Namibians.
“We say the constitution is a living document, but you cannot defend something that you cannot understand. Let us make it our business to know what our constitution says on various aspects of life in Namibia,” he said. He added that there are still shortcomings despite the fact that independence brought about opportunities aimed at securing a decent live for all Namibians.
“I am prepared to accept the fact that not everything is 100%. Rome was not built in one day. Life is a journey; nation-building is a journey. As long as we as citizens are able to recognise those shortcomings and address it as part of nation-building then there is hope,” he said. He also highlighted that while there are a number of citizens living under miserable conditions and poverty, government is doing its best to address these challenges.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman John Walters feel there is a need for government to relook its priorities as it celebrates Constitution Day.
According to him, the constitution is not self-executing and that it is government's responsibility to eradicate poverty and create jobs.
“But you know governments cannot do that alone that is why it created institutions in order to assist government to take the appropriate action to realise these provision,” he said.
While he commended Namibia for the upholding of human rights as stipulated by Chapter 3 in the constitution, he still advocates for compulsory human rights education in schools.
“Children should be taught from a very tender age to embrace and appreciate difference. It may put a new mindset of children into the right direction for self-respect and to respect the rights of others,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES
As Namibians mark Constitution Day, Katjavivi has implored citizens to cultivate a culture of understanding and respect for the country's rule of law.
On 9 February 1990, the Namibian constitution was adopted in Windhoek and is regarded one of the finest and most modern piece of legislation on the continent. Katjavivi this week emphasised the need that the constitution be made accessible to the general public through translations and public outreaches in order to uplift the lives of Namibians.
“We say the constitution is a living document, but you cannot defend something that you cannot understand. Let us make it our business to know what our constitution says on various aspects of life in Namibia,” he said. He added that there are still shortcomings despite the fact that independence brought about opportunities aimed at securing a decent live for all Namibians.
“I am prepared to accept the fact that not everything is 100%. Rome was not built in one day. Life is a journey; nation-building is a journey. As long as we as citizens are able to recognise those shortcomings and address it as part of nation-building then there is hope,” he said. He also highlighted that while there are a number of citizens living under miserable conditions and poverty, government is doing its best to address these challenges.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman John Walters feel there is a need for government to relook its priorities as it celebrates Constitution Day.
According to him, the constitution is not self-executing and that it is government's responsibility to eradicate poverty and create jobs.
“But you know governments cannot do that alone that is why it created institutions in order to assist government to take the appropriate action to realise these provision,” he said.
While he commended Namibia for the upholding of human rights as stipulated by Chapter 3 in the constitution, he still advocates for compulsory human rights education in schools.
“Children should be taught from a very tender age to embrace and appreciate difference. It may put a new mindset of children into the right direction for self-respect and to respect the rights of others,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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