Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA’s foundations for an economic revival that is already visible and palpable are cemented in the very same trenches that young revolutionaries started their quest for Namibians 57 years ago.
The Managing Director of Trustco Group, Dr. Quinton Van Rooyen, this week shared a national motion of confidence in the educated young people of Namibia, to lead the economic revival revolution, when he addressed more than 850 graduates from the Institute for Open Learning (IOL) in Windhoek.
In a first-of-a kind video address Dr. Van Rooyen, referred to a world beset by conflict in nearly all corners of the planet, but reminded Namibians that the sacrifices that were made over many decades of war in Southern Africa ended in peace, democracy, hope and enduring stability. Remarkably, Namibia, facing many challenges over the years, remains an international inspiration and a beacon of hope for many societies.
“I am often reminded and still deeply moved by the collective strength of sacrifice and perseverance. In our resilience lies our strength, and it is what is needed now to shift the gears towards greater economic excellence from Namibia.” Dr. Van Rooyen said. In this regard, there is a national consensus amongst most, if not all Namibians, that next year’s presidential and general elections can provide the extra momentum that a recovering economy will need, and the role of the young educated Namibians will be critical.
He told graduates that they are respected as the tip of the spear to participate, uphold and promote the processes that must keep Namibia free, safe and democratic.
“The 2024 elections come at a historic juncture, and as it now stands, the nation will have the opportunity to elect its first female president. “Let us agree, over the years she demonstrated genuine qualities to lead the nation in the unexpected and exiting times of leading oil and rare earth discoveries in the world.’
Dr. Van Rooyen remined the IOL graduates that they are already part of an accelerating technological revolution that the world is in need of.
“What we have learned by now is that wealth cannot effectively be distributed through regulations but by a common vision, resolute, strong and stable government as well as a thriving business community.”
Dr. Van Rooyen emphasized that achieving this goal is only possible through a government with the strongest possible mandate from its people, especially the electorate.
According to him, the challenge of elections is not only about choosing individuals but also about giving the ruling party and future government the confidence through a national mandate to tolerate dissent and different opinions. At the same time, they should stand firm and always discriminate in favour of Namibians’ interests.
Conflicts in the world and the inaction of the international community and its instruments have confirmed that Namibia’s peace is in their own hands, for one day the world would not rush to its aid but rush for Namibia’s resources, not to assist but to exploit them mostly for their own end.
Every Namibian, young and old, has the duty to safeguard each other’s safety and security. As a nation, we should always rise against those seeking the demise of others by creating division, tribalism, dominance, and exploitation. Unlike the populism we see on social media platforms, let us strive not just for individual success but to sculpt a collective prosperity that transcends boundaries.
“We are all better than that,” Van Rooyen said.”
Van Rooyen reminded the 853 graduates that their chance has arrived to shape the trajectory of the nation towards the creation and sharing of wealth.
Embrace the challenge, like your ancestors embraced the quest for freedom, to guide Namibia on the paths of hope, promise, progress and inclusive growth.
