Less talk, more action needed It is only the fourth day of the new year and there is already a refreshed optimism for the next 12 months ahead. In his new year's message, President Hage Geingob boldly stated the year 2017 should be a one rededication, with a resilient and innovative approach required to weather the tough economic storm. And as Geingob said, the problems of 2016 will still be part of us in 2017, but as a nation there is a massive weight of expectation to do better than last year this time around.
The reckless government spending must come to an end and elected officials should also stop with making vastly unrealistic promises that they inevitably cannot keep.
Those in power should not just make empty promises, but should bring about improvements in education, public healthcare, job creation and the economy.
On paper we have good policies, but we often lack a convincing plan to implement them and ultimately improve people's lives. If people have access to quality healthcare and education there is no doubt that they will be productive citizens.
We can no longer afford to manage the economy irresponsibly. On the sport front, the president announced in his message that government was looking at concluding the review of the Sports Act and policies aimed at defining and prioritising the national sport codes.
It is good to hear that the sad state of affairs bedevilling Namibian sport is finally being addressed. What we want to see, however, is more action than just mere talk. Sport-loving Namibians and our sportsmen and women have endured a torrid 2016 and it is high time that changes are made at the top to avoid yet another year of disappointment. Our attention should be at coming up with a proper sport programme and developing our sport systems.
Lest we forget sport has the power to unite us and thus creating hope for our nation.