A rose by any other name .........

While I was gathering wool and other things, it suddenly struck me that we have something brand-new to chat/talk/signal about.

As everybody knows, members of SWAPO call one another "Comrade". This is a good phrase, especially when you can't remember the person's name. It also goes for both genders (I wanted to say "sexes", but am afraid somebody will sue me for being sexist). So, if you can't make out whether it is female or male, "Comrade" fits marvellously!

I then turned towards the DTA and, remembering that they were told to split from the old National Party, I assume they will keep some sort of sense of familiarity between the two parties - or whatever is left of them. So, they probably call one another "Oom"and "Tannie", Makes a whole lot of sense, too, since most of them seem to be either an uncle or aunt of the few members left or related in other, mysterious, ways. In the early days of the party, certain members were allegedly told: "You may call me "Meneer"or "Mevrou". Not too many of those who were invited to do that in fact joined the party. Can't blame them, can one?

Enter the COD It is said that since their appearance on the very low horizon of Namibia's politics, they had neither cash nor delivery. They call one another "Democrat"(or so I have been told). Also a nice word, completely ambiguous - just like the party. But let me not digress. I want to stay unambiguous in all senses of my being and my words.

Meneer Pretorius and his ossewa (oxwagon) crowd were even more familiar with one another. After all, most of the Voortrekkers (Pioneers?) were related to the others. I think that we can safely hazard the guess that in the inners of inners of the party, they call one another "neef" (nephew/cousin) and "niggie"(niece/cousin). As I said, it makes sense.

Since we are only talking of so-called "multi-cultural" parties, I will leave the purely ethnic groupings strictly alone.

That brings, basically, to the new party, the "Rally for Democracy and Progress". Well, I suppose, one can't call them "Rallyists"? Neither, I suppose, "Proggies" The other word is already taken, so, there is little else I can think of....

Maybe you, dear fellow-shebeener, can think of a proper title for these members?

I have been given to believe that one of the parties in the country that has always been active in the hospitality industry, may even offer a prize. From what I, hear the prize consists of full board and lodging for as long as it is desired at their famous, but underground, hotel in Southern Angola.

So, go for it .....