The National Identity and Nation Branding, which is a key strategic pillar under Namibia's Nationhood and National Pride National Strategic Framework, has recorded an above-average performance.
However, stakeholders said the results are still not sufficient to effectively strengthen patriotism and national pride among Namibians.
This was revealed at the Nationhood and National Pride (NNP) Strategic Plan 2026-2030 formulation workshop in Windhoek.
National Identity and Nation Branding pillar focuses on reinforcing patriotism, promoting correct protocols for national symbols and shaping a unified global and local identity for the country.
In the previous strategic plan, steady progress was made in promoting Namibia's image and reinforcing national symbols
The current campaign focuses on presidential portraits.
MICT Deputy Director Shasimana Uugulu explained.
“We had a huge issue because there was no uniformity. You would find Institution A is placing the portrait in a particular way, but then the correct way to place the presidential portrait is to have the current President, her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's, portrait on top, and then on the right side, you would then have the one of the founding father.”
He also pointed out that there is a lack of implementation of the Government Corporate Identity Manual, which is a standardised guideline for the use of typography, colour codes and branding formats.
Pillars such as social cohesion and communication, education, and capacity building are said to have performed excellently.
Governance and capacity building performed above average to below average, as well as research, innovation, and capacity building, which also performed below average.
A consult of the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) Dr Felix Mukasa, also weighs in.
“There were two conclusions that were drawn from that. One, limited funding, and then the disruption that was brought about by COVID. We should secure sustainable funding. As we move towards developing a new one, we should also start thinking, how are we going to fund this new NNP strategy and ensure Institutionalised monitoring and evaluation"
Therefore, the workshop seeks to develop an integrated national strategy on Nationhood and National Pride programme that will have clear deliverables for all stakeholders for the next five years.
MICT Executive Director Linda Nakale also explained.
“We are trying to build a society where every Namibian understands their roles in contributing to the achievement of our developmental goals, and we are trying to build a nation with norms and values that are well documented and respected.”