Die weermag se oorlogswoorde

In 'n maand vol onrusbarende onthullings in Namibië – boonop 'n verkiesingsmaand – was die nasionale weermag (NDF) se herhaalde, openbare suggesties dat nasionale veiligheid in gedrang is deel van die groter drama waarop die soeklig uiters krities geskyn moet word.Die sogenaamde verhoging van veiligheidsvlakke tot die ekstreme is ongehoord sedert 1990, gebeure in die voormalige Caprivi in Augustus 1999 daargelaat.Sosialemediabeelde van weermagoefeninge was vir baie inwoners en waarnemers ontstemmend.Die NDF se eerste waarskuwing was die dag voor stemdag. Die Maandag ná die verkiesings is die vermaning herhaal.Volgens die weermag was sy ongekende spraaksamigheid die gevolg van beweerde aanhitsings tot “geweld, sluipmoorde, chaos en oorlog”. Optrede (skiet?) “sonder vrae” is beloof.Op 2 Desember is gewag gemaak van doodsdreigemente teen pres. Hage Geingob en dreigemente om Staatshuis in ligte laaie te laat ontvlam.Die woord “omgekraptheid” – deur die NDF gebruik – is bitter gevaarlik in 'n weermag.Meer as 'n week later is nog geen sprak weer hieroor gesprook nie.Sulke uitsprake is gewoon roekeloos en eis streng, wetlike vervolging. Maar sonder optrede moet Namibiërs aan die egtheid van die noodspraak twyfel.Was dr. Geingob as opperbevelvoerder vooraf bewus van 26 November se aankondiging? En, of, moes hy later in die generaals se ore fluister om briek aan te draai?Sulke ondersoeke is die werk van die polisie, al is dit op versoek van die weermag en in samewerking met die intelligensiediens.'n Intelligensiediens wie se ore so doof (omgekoop of toegedruk?) was dat ook hulle nie oor die Visvrot-skandaal in die opperbevelvoerder se ore kon fluister nie?Namibië wag op die optrede wat op die NDF se uiters ernstige bewerings moet volg. So sê ander11 Desember 2019 Compassion needed again in a tragic year The hearts of all New Zealanders will go out to those who lost family and friends on Whakaari/White Island on Monday, and to the survivors who have experienced such ghastly events.First responders have already received deserved recognition, as have the emergency services and medical personnel who worked with courage and determination in overwhelming circumstances.Now is the time for the kindness and care one would hope our nation naturally aspires to in times of tragedy.Concern has surfaced over whether enough was done for those left on the island overnight on Monday. This concern must be addressed.As to the wider issue of whether this country has the right policies and practices around adventure tourism, that will need confronting. But it too can wait.With thrills come risk. The operators involved here have lost loved ones, too, and are hurting as much as anyone.The horrific Christchurch mosque shootings in March and now this distressing disaster still unfolding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will mark New Zealand as a changed nation. Demanding responses to questions that need answers is understandable, and they must be forthcoming without undue delay. But this is the time to respond with compassion, caring and kindness. Many among us have much to endure in the days ahead.• THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD

Die weermag se oorlogswoorde

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Die weermag se oorlogswoorde

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