Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Himbacracy

 

Himbacracy

Himbacracy (noun):

Pronunciation: Him-buh-krey-see

Definition: The quality of being genuine or real; the state of something being authentic, legitimate, and true, often based on Himba rule.

Origin: Coined by Uerimanga Tjijombo, Himbacracy is a combination of two words, "Himba" and "Cracy," referring to the authentic and legitimate nature typically associated with the Himba rule.

Example usage:

·         The cultural heritage of the Himba people upholds the principles of Himbacracy, valuing authenticity and truthfulness.

·         The organization's commitment to Himbacracy ensures that only genuine products are delivered to customers.

·         The academic research conducted under the framework of Himbacracy aims to uncover the true nature of the phenomenon.

Note: Himba refers to an ethnic group in Namibia known for its distinctive culture and traditions. The term "cracy" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "kratia," which means "rule" or "government."

When added as a suffix to a word, it indicates a form of government or rule based on the root word. For example:

  1. Democracy: Rule by the people; a system of government in which power is vested in the citizens and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives.
  2. Autocracy: Rule by a single individual with unlimited power and authority.
  3. Bureaucracy: Rule by a system of administrative departments and officials; a form of government characterized by excessive red tape and rigid procedures.
  4.  Plutocracy: Rule by the wealthy; a system of government in which power is held by a select group of individuals who possess significant wealth or economic influence.

Therefore, when referring to "Himbacracy," it can be understood as a form of rule or governance associated with the Himba people or based on their cultural values and traditions.

In the picturesque village of Otjiurunga, nestled amidst the vast landscapes of Namibia, a young boy named Uerimanga Tjijombo came into the world. From a tender age, Uerimanga was captivated by the beauty of his surroundings, the rich traditions of his Himba heritage, and the profound wisdom that flowed through his village.

Growing up in Okandombo village, Uerimanga had the privilege of experiencing the daily rhythms of Himba life. He watched with wide-eyed wonder as the elders shared their stories under the starlit sky, imparting ancient knowledge and instilling a deep sense of respect for their cultural heritage. Uerimanga was particularly drawn to the teachings of authenticity and truth that underpinned his community's way of life.

As he embarked on his primary school education, Uerimanga's thirst for knowledge continued to grow. He excelled in his studies, but it was the lessons learned outside the classroom that shaped his understanding of the world. His interactions with the Himba elders, the conversations held in the shade of the acacia trees, and the countless moments of introspection led him to question the meaning of authenticity in a rapidly changing world.

Driven by a burning curiosity, Uerimanga delved deep into Himba history, philosophy, and spirituality. He spent hours in the village library, pouring over ancient texts and seeking wisdom from the past. As he learned about the profound connection between his people and the land, he realized that the true essence of their way of life was grounded in authenticity.

One fateful day, while sitting beneath the towering baobab tree that held the collective memories of his ancestors, Uerimanga had a revelation. He realized that the principles he had embraced throughout his life honesty, sincerity, and the pursuit of truth were not just personal values but a philosophy that could guide individuals and communities toward a better future.

Uerimanga coined the term "Himbacracy" to encapsulate this philosophy, inspired by his beloved Himba heritage. Himbacracy represented the state of being genuine, authentic, and true a call to embrace one's true self, live in harmony with others, and honour the wisdom of the past. Uerimanga believed that Himbacracy could serve as a guiding light for humanity, transcending borders and cultures.

Word of Uerimanga's Himbacracy philosophy spread like wildfire. People from far and wide traveled to Okandombo village, seeking the wisdom of the young visionary. Uerimanga's humble home transformed into a sanctuary, where seekers of truth found solace and inspiration. The village itself became a testament to Himbacracy, a living embodiment of its principles.

Under Uerimanga's guidance, Okandombo village flourished. The villagers embraced Himbacracy as a way of life, cultivating deep connections with their heritage, nurturing the land, and fostering an atmosphere of openness and honesty. Their harmonious existence and commitment to authenticity served as a powerful example for neighbouring communities and the world at large.

As years turned into decades, Uerimanga's influence extended far beyond the village of Okandombo. His teachings touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals, sparking a global movement centred around Himbacracy. People from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nations began to embrace the philosophy, realizing that the pursuit of authenticity and truth was a universal endeavour.

Uerimanga Tjijombo, the humble Himba boy from Otjiurunga, had become a revered figure, an ambassador of Himbacracy. Yet, he remained grounded, never losing sight of the village that had shaped him. He continued to guide and inspire, always reminding others that the power of Himbacracy resided within each and every person, waiting to be awakened.

And so, the story of Uerimanga Tjijombo and Himbacracy endured, a testament to the transformative power of one individual's vision and the enduring wisdom of a culture steeped in authenticity. Through his teachings, Uerimanga had woven a tapestry of truth, unity, and genuine connection, leaving an indelible mark on the world and igniting a collective quest for a more authentic existence.

By: Tjizapaha Morata Tjijombo


Saturday, July 1, 2023

The Changing Dynamics of Relationships: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari

 

The Changing Dynamics of Relationships: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari

Introduction:

The lesson of being single varies from person to person, but for Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari, it is a unique experience that requires understanding. They shared their concerns with me, expressing that their single status is due to the lack of capital to start a relationship, high living costs, unhealthy competition among bachelor men, poor infrastructure, fear of rejection, harassment from neighboring men, limited support, a scarcity of lies, sponsors, and sugar daddies, high maintenance costs, and the unavailability of their desired partners. It's clear that finding a suitable companion in today's world requires significant effort. Moreover, they point out the changing dynamics influenced by money and democracy, which have altered the traditional practices of our ancestors.

The Changing Relationship Landscape:

Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari highlight several factors that contribute to their decision to remain single. Firstly, financial constraints play a significant role, as they lack the necessary capital to initiate and sustain a relationship. In the modern world, the high cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to afford the expenses associated with committed relationships. This financial strain has created a sense of competition among bachelor men, who find it challenging to meet the demands of potential partners.

Infrastructure and Gender Dynamics:

Another major obstacle emphasized by Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari is the lack of proper infrastructure to maintain relationships. The absence of adequate facilities and services hampers the progress of romantic connections, making it difficult for individuals to foster and sustain meaningful partnerships.

Fear and External Influences:

Moreover, both individuals express apprehension towards the opposite gender. Fear of rejection or negative experiences can lead to hesitancy in pursuing relationships. Additionally, Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari mention the harassment they face from neighboring men who are attracted to women, which further complicates their desire for companionship.

Societal Factors and Cultural Shifts:

Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari touch upon societal changes that have influenced the dynamics of relationships. They speak of a scarcity of support, lies, sponsors, and sugar daddies, suggesting that external financial assistance and resources have become essential in contemporary relationships. This shift in expectations and dependencies has resulted in a significant departure from traditional practices.

The Impact of Democracy and Intercultural Marriages:

The influence of money and democracy is apparent in Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari's discussions. They observe that the ability to maintain a relationship now depends on financial capacity, indicating that women nowadays are more inclined to choose partners who can provide for them. This contrasts with the historical practices of "muatje waomo" or "wahongaze," where marriages were based on different criteria. The authors attribute this shift to the proliferation of money and the adoption of democratic principles, which have changed the nature of relationships and marriage.

Preserving Cultural Values:

The discussion turns to the importance of cultural preservation and the impact of intercultural marriages on society. Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari express concern over the dilution of their cultural values, attributing it to the influence of external cultures and the introduction of so-called democracy. They argue that maintaining cultural practices is crucial for the preservation and cohesion of their community.

Critics and Philosophical Perspectives:

Acknowledging potential criticism, Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari highlight the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to develop and refine one's own ideas. While not everyone may support their views, they believe that constructive criticism can lead to the formation of new and more robust ideas.

Conclusion:

The experiences shared by Muheke Ndjai and Tuamanehi Utjavari shed light on the intricate challenges faced by individuals seeking romantic relationships in today's society. Financial limitations, high living costs, unhealthy competition, lack of infrastructure, fear of rejection, harassment, limited support, and shifting cultural values all contribute to the complexity of finding a compatible partner. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of cultural preservation and critique the influence of money and democracy on relationship dynamics. Ultimately, these observations prompt us to reflect on the changing landscape of relationships and the evolving values within our communities.

Uerimanga Tjijombo

The Himbacracy Philosopher

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