As Namibia observes Heroes' Day, the founder of the Kufamosha Information Disability Centre, Petrus Theofelus, popularly known as Makiti, believes heroism can be demonstrated through compassion and making a difference in someone's life.
Kornelius Shimuafeni, the young boy who was accorded heroes' status by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said he never expected to be honoured for his deed.
For him, it was an act of compassion for fellow human beings in need.
16-year-old Kornelius Shimuafeni has been conferred the award of the Most Distinguished Order, third class, for saving the lives of nine-month-old twin babies from drowning.
When one hears the word hero, names from the Namibian's liberation struggle quickly come to mind.
However, for some Namibians, their heroes are not found in history books or on monuments but at home, in places where sacrifices, love and courage are part of everyday life.
Every person has their own way of selecting a hero, depending on the cultural and historical background, as well as political affiliation.
This also involves the ideological background.
The 16-year-old Cornelius Shimwaafeni from Omutundungu Village in Oshana, who saved nine-month-old twins from drowning, will also be conferred a national hero status by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah tomorrow at the commemoration of Heroes Day.
Heroism is often associated with political good deeds, but for Paramedic Ndapewa Mathews, it is about putting the needs of others before hers.
Young people in the Erongo Region are redefining what "heroism" means, saying that while honouring those who fought for independence, it also challenges them to face the struggles of the present.
