On 26 August 2025, Namibia commemorated Heroes Day for the 35th time since independence. That day is a stark reminder of the path we have taken to be the bouncing democracy we are today and further, of the contribution made by young people towards the attainment of independence.
Greenwell Matongo, Tobias Hainyeko, John ya Otto Nankudhu, and Patrick ‘Lungada’ Iyambo – these are all names that are familiar in every Namibian household for their participation in the liberation struggle. One interesting fact about each of these men and women is that they were all under the age of 35 when they made the brave decision to join Namibia’s struggle for independence. In fact, some of them died at the hands of the apartheid regime just before turning 35 and others under 35.
In 2024, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) revealed that the country’s majority demographic, at a staggering 71%, is comprised of young people under the age of 35. On the basis of these statistics alone, it can be argued that the likes of Greenwell Matongo, Tobias Hainyeko and many others are in our midst today and that they too require the necessary opportunities to lead and serve this great nation in various capacities.
Malcolm X is quoted saying, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Similar to the preparation through military training received by our forefathers for the future of an independent Namibia, it is imperative for us to ensure that #NamYouth receives the biggest investment in their socio-economic well-being. Youth voices matter today to build a prosperous future for Namibia.
It is important not to despise anyone for their age but rather to empower them and ensure they are well equipped to contribute to the trajectory of their nation. As the largest demographic, it goes without saying that the decisions taken today will have the most impact on those who live to see their execution. Therefore, we must be intentional about harnessing youth voices through inclusivity and opportunities because they will shape Namibia’s future tomorrow.
We pay homage to the fallen heroes and heroines whose blood waters our freedom. Their revolutionary spirits have multiplied and continue to live on. The struggle continues, for economic emancipation in our lifetime.
Balancing health and hustle: avoiding burnout
In today’s fast-paced world, young professionals are often celebrated for their hustle, drive, and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. However, behind the polished LinkedIn profiles and Instagram-worthy success stories, many silently struggle with exhaustion, stress, and burnout.
The word ‘burnout’ is included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon (not a medical condition), which is described as resulting from chronic work stress that has not been managed properly. It is characterised by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feelings of cynicism towards a job and finally, reduced professional efficacy. Sounds familiar? Perhaps not. Let’s break it down further for the ‘layman’.
According to an article published by Cleveland Health Clinic (2022), “If you’re feeling exhausted and sluggish, and even simple tasks feel overwhelming to complete, or you find yourself so stressed out that you’re quick to get angry or frustrated, you might be experiencing burnout.” So basically, burning out is that feeling of sluggishness towards, dare I say, even life itself but as a result of the work you have been doing without making time to check in with yourself. It is the reason behind dreading a workdayin the job you once prayed for. It is being grateful for the privilege to work while feeling emotionally unfulfilled by the work you do. It is your body shutting down because you no longer have anything left to give. And worst of all, it is you using Groove as a coping mechanism and labelling it as ‘eating your youth’. Please, do not get me wrong; eat your youth in the mouth even, but don’t use it as a shield, bestie.
Why balance matters
Sound health is all-encompassing, covering all areas of life. It is not just about avoiding illness but being holistically in a good space. That is physically, mentally and yes, even spiritually. Striking a balance allows you to progress in your career without losing yourself in the process. When you neglect this important aspect of your health, the consequences extend beyond just your body into relationships, and ultimately, it affects your performance at the very job that is causing you to burn out.
Signs of burnout:
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Reduced sense of accomplishment
• Losing interest in work you once enjoyed
• Irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent headaches, insomnia, or changes in appetite
If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to step back and realign with yourself.
Practical ways to recover from burnout:
1. Set boundaries —learn to say no. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
2. Prioritise sleep —rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for peak performance.
3. Stay active —even short walks or quick workouts help reduce stress.
4. Eat nourishing foods – fuel your body with what it needs, not just what’s convenient.
5. Unplug Regularly – taking breaks from screens gives your mind a chance to recharge.
6. Ask for help – whether from mentors, friends, or professionals, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It is important to always bear in mind that true success is inclusive of peace of mind and that the journey of career fulfilment and self-actualisation is a marathon, not a sprint. Balancing health and avoiding burnout is not about doing less but doing it smartly. Self-care boosts your career and keeps your energy and creativity high.
