Journey of Resilience and Transformation: A Portrait of Ms. Ndeshipewa Tinie Mukaa-Tjiraa Ndjona-Top Khukuyou Lazarus-Willem

Ms. Ndeshipewa Tinie Mukaa-Tjiraa Ndjona-Top Khukuyou Lazarus-Willem

Journey of Resilience and Transformation: A Portrait of Ms. Ndeshipewa Tinie Mukaa-Tjiraa Ndjona-Top Khukuyou Lazarus-Willem

I used to emphasize that everyone's journey is unique, even within the vast Kunene region. In the heart of this region's capital, there resided an extraordinary lady named Ms. Ndeshipewa Tinie Mukaa-Tjiraa Ndjona-Top Khukuyou Lazarus-Willem. She is not only a friend of mine but also someone I consider a significant member of our society. Our bond extends beyond mere friendship; we share confidential stories, engaging in profound discussions about life's intricacies. Occasionally, our conversations transcend ordinary boundaries, delving into topics that go beyond the norm. The individuals from the Rua-IK group, who are acquainted with us, can attest to the depth of our connection.

What sets her apart is her remarkable ability to maintain composure even in moments of discontent. She belongs to that category of women who can express displeasure without uttering a word. Our dynamic allows us to communicate openly, regardless of the circumstances. Our interactions are unrestricted, enabling us to explore various subjects and even touch upon matters involving our mutual friends.

Her journey has seen its share of transformations. Initially lacking a proper road to traverse, she adopted the name Mukaa-Tjiraa as she gained access to a more defined path. At the time, I didn't fully comprehend the significance behind the name change. Nowadays, she refers to herself as Mrs. W... and so forth. She remains an integral part of my life—a steadfast friend. Moreover, she is an active member of the group "Girls-Power," a name they coined during their youth. As they transition into womanhood, the possibility of a name change looms, perhaps to "Women's-Power" or something else entirely.

Returning to her journey, she exemplifies the resilience of those who pursue employment opportunities despite their qualifications. Her versatility is admirable, as she has taken on various roles while awaiting a job aligned with her qualifications. Her journey serves as an inspirational model for others. Before her teaching career, she worked as a shopkeeper at Opuwo Spar Shop, stationed at the teller's counter. Subsequently, she joined the International University of Management (IUM) at the Ongwediva Campus to further her education. Throughout her academic pursuits, she remained connected to her roots, returning to Spar Shop during holidays until she completed her studies.

Following her academic accomplishments, she secured a position within the Ministry of Education as a Teacher—a remarkable achievement. Her journey serves as a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities to ensure a stable livelihood. I hold her in high regard and hope that her journey inspires not only her friends but also countless others to pursue meaningful paths that provide sustenance and fulfillment.

The Himbacracy Philosopher

Preserving Cultural Identity Through the Written Word: Lessons from the Himbacracy Philosopher

 

Preserving Cultural Identity Through the Written Word: Lessons from the Himbacracy Philosopher

As articulated by the Himbacracy Philosopher, the essence of our cultural stronghold remains untainted; nevertheless, we have faltered in documenting and elucidating our cultural heritage. In embracing the collective identity of educated Omuhimba or Ovahimba, it is undeniable that we have yet to contribute substantially to the chronicling of our own cultural tapestry.

The legacy of Otjihimba stands as a revered and unparalleled facet of Namibia's cultural mosaic. Our culture has remained unblemished by transgressions, yet the rapid evolution of the world has outpaced our efforts to capture it in words. Thus, there arises an imperative for us to have inscribed more comprehensively the tenets and traditions that shape our being.

Our shortfall does not lie in a lack of adaptability, but rather in our inability to commit our cultural essence to written form. This missed opportunity not only hampers the widespread recognition of our culture but also endangers the preservation of our unique cultural identity. The underlying message is clear: with evolution comes an obligation to translate our transformation into narratives that safeguard our heritage.

Declining the task of documenting our own culture is not inherently flawed. Nonetheless, should our perspectives fail to synchronize with the pace of change, the consequential fading of our culture could lead to an erosion of personal identity.

In summation, the privileges enjoyed in the past are susceptible to replacement by the trends of the future. The absence of overt misconduct notwithstanding, the scenario arises wherein others seize the momentum and impeccably seize the moment. In such instances, we stand to lose and falter while they meticulously script the culture they aspire to, subsequently marketing it back to us.

To undertake personal growth and alteration affords a second chance at redefinition. Conversely, being coerced into transformation by external forces mirrors a sense of abandonment. Those who abstain from learning and self-betterment shall eventually find themselves irrelevant to their own cultural context, a lesson that will be learned through hardship and expense.

I embarked on composing this statement subsequent to a conversation I had with two individuals of similar age from the Otjiuondo-Tjonjose yoNgua yaKaoko community: Katamunua and Uaurovandu. During this exchange, these two gentlemen engaged in a fruitful discussion regarding agricultural practices, a subject that prompted me to chronicle their insights. The impetus behind this decision stemmed from Katamunua's assertion that our proficiency in farming was nurtured from an early age, a sentiment I concurred with wholeheartedly. He postulated that it is improbable for a Omuherero child to pursue a formal education at a university to specialize in animal husbandry and livestock management.

His perspective resonated with me, as it dawned upon me that universities might hold value primarily in instructing us about disease prevention within our livestock and transforming our animal-rearing endeavours into profitable ventures. It became clear that farming constitutes an integral facet of our cultural heritage; its abandonment would signify a forfeiture of our cultural identity. Throughout history, the rearing of livestock within the Ovaherero community has been ingrained, stretching back countless centuries. Thus, it becomes apparent that farming is not merely an activity but a cultural artefact, vital for our survival and existence.

Their discourse reverberated with a message emphasizing mutual care and support. They emphasized the importance of age mates forging connections, understanding each other's experiences, and learning about survival strategies. This interconnectedness serves as a vital resource, enabling us to offer aid during challenging times.

In conclusion, the exchange with Katamunua and Uaurovandu served as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of agriculture within our culture. Their insights underscored the critical nature of preserving this age-old tradition, not only for its economic benefits but for the sustenance of our cultural heritage and the network of support it fosters within our community.

The Himbacarcy Philosopher

 

 

"Navigating Marriage and Stress: Exploring Perspectives on Relationships and Freedom"

       Musengaua Given Abubakar Tjijeura

"Navigating Marriage and Stress: Exploring Perspectives on Relationships and Freedom"

I had a conversation with my friend Musengua Given Abubakar Tjijeura some time ago. During our discussion, he was not yet married, but he spoke extensively about the importance of managing stress, particularly stress arising from relationships with women. He suggested that I conduct some research on this topic if I disagreed with him. Instead of fully agreeing with his perspective, I opted to seek out some research materials. However, I primarily turned to reading the Bible to gain wisdom, as it is regarded as a valuable source of ethical guidance from a Western perspective.

While delving into the Bible, I came across a relevant passage in Proverbs 21:9 that resonated with me: "It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife." This verse highlighted the idea that it is preferable to have solitude than to live in discord with a contentious spouse. This experience made me realize that while many men desire to get married, a significant challenge lies in encountering women who restrict their partners' freedom. Tjijeura often conveyed the notion that the problem isn't solely about marriage itself, but rather about marrying the wrong person. He believed that women, by nature, possess greater intelligence than men. He also mentioned that a woman can maintain a facade for an extended period, even up to a decade, if her intention is to secure a marriage.

In summary, my discussions with Musengua Given Abubakar Tjijeura, coupled with my research and contemplation of biblical wisdom, have led me to the understanding that while marriage is a desired outcome for many, the key lies in choosing a partner who supports mutual freedom and harmony.

The Author: The Himbacracy Philosopher

The Role of Maintenance in the Preservation of Namibia's Government Buildings: A Himbacracy Philosopher's Perspective.

 

The Role of Maintenance in the Preservation of Namibia's Government Buildings: A Himbacracy Philosopher's Perspective.

Introduction

In the quest to unravel the reasons behind the decay and eventual collapse of government buildings in Namibia, a Himbacracy Philosopher dedicated five months to conducting personal research. Through the unique lens of Himbacracy philosophy, the philosopher sought to understand why maintenance practices were lacking in the country and proposed a solution to address this issue. This article delves into the findings of this study and highlights the significance of maintenance in preserving the structural integrity of government buildings.

Understanding the Himbacracy Point of View

Himbacracy is a philosophical perspective that places a strong emphasis on maintaining and preserving resources. Drawing from their own cultural heritage, the Himbacracy Philosopher recognized that maintenance is deeply ingrained in the traditional practices of the Himba people, who build their homes using simple materials like tree branches and cattle dung. They have long understood the importance of regular maintenance, which involves replacing worn-out materials with new ones gathered from their surroundings. Applying this viewpoint, the philosopher investigated how this concept could be beneficial on a larger scale, particularly in the context of government buildings.

Identifying the Problem: Lack of Maintenance

The research unveiled a critical issue plaguing Namibia's government buildings the absence of proper maintenance. Over time, neglecting regular upkeep and repairs has resulted in the gradual deterioration of infrastructure across the country. This deterioration not only affects the appearance of buildings but also poses safety hazards to occupants and the public.

Private and Public Companies: The Solution

To address this challenge, the Himbacracy Philosopher proposes the establishment of maintenance-focused companies, both in the private and public sectors. These companies would be dedicated to maintaining government buildings throughout the nation. By leveraging the expertise of trained professionals, these entities would ensure that routine inspections, repairs, and necessary renovations are carried out promptly.

The Philosopher emphasizes that waiting until a building is on the brink of collapse before seeking help is a reactive approach that poses significant risks. Instead, a proactive strategy of consistent maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of government infrastructure and reduce overall repair costs.

Benefits of Embracing Maintenance Culture

Adopting a maintenance culture in Namibia offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it would enhance the longevity and functionality of government buildings, enabling them to serve the nation's needs for extended periods. Secondly, regular maintenance would contribute to cost savings in the long run, as addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into major, costly repairs. Thirdly, a well-maintained infrastructure can create a positive impression of the nation both locally and internationally, boosting investor confidence and tourism.

Cultural Values and Modernity

The Himbacracy Philosopher highlights the importance of blending cultural values with modern practices. While traditional methods of maintaining huts have served the Himba community well, integrating these principles into the contemporary context can lead to sustainable development. The proposal to establish maintenance companies aligns with the Himbacracy belief in preserving resources and nurturing the environment for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Himbacracy Philosopher's research sheds light on the need for a comprehensive maintenance approach to safeguard Namibia's government buildings. By embracing a maintenance culture and establishing specialized companies dedicated to this task, the nation can ensure the preservation and functionality of its critical infrastructure. Drawing from the Himbacracy philosophy, this proactive approach not only aligns with cultural values but also holds the potential to elevate Namibia's status as a responsible and forward-thinking nation on the global stage.

Uerimanga Tjijombo

The Himbacracy Philosopher