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• To respect the rights and freedoms of others. This
means that you should not do things to other people that you would
not like done to yourself. You should always behave and show good
manners in public at all times. You should also, at all times, treat
other people with tolerance and respect. This includes respecting
other people's values, beliefs, opinions and property.
• To pay taxes to the government. Residents are levied
Value Added Tax (VAT) on every purchase and must pay a certain percentage
of their income to the government. Government uses these funds to
develop and maintain the country's infrastructure e.g. building
facilities which can be used by all the people in Namibia such as
hospitals, schools, clinics, roads and telecommunication networks.
Such services cannot be provided unless taxes are paid by all.
• To register as a voter and vote in the elections. Elections
are a vital part of a democracy as they keep government accountable
to the citizens and allow citizens to choose their representatives
in government. By registering and voting, each person has a say
in government by electing his/her own leaders. Contrary to popular
belief, every vote can make a difference. By not participating in
an election, the citizen expresses their disinterest in the future
of the country and has no right to criticise any governing body.
• To be involved. Democracy requires the participation
of citizens. This includes becoming informed about issues, debating
them in community and civic meetings and taking action on issues
that directly affect your life by advocating your concerns and lobbying
for support.
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