PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba struck the right cord with his State of the Nation address on Wednesday albeit the difficulties of transition that confronts our young democracy and current world economic problems.

He provided the right tonic - hope despite the numerous socio-economic problems that face this nation.

Overall, the President passed a clean bill of health on the nation, while underscoring the difficulties that have to be overcome.

'A plus' was how opposition leader Katuutire Kaura warmly received the president's speech, which was marked by constant applause and nodding.

Reporting back to the nation, the president outlined key successes and achievements by the Government over the year in review. He minced no words though about the need to do more in order to help those Namibians that are finding the going tough.

Among the achievements made by the Government that the President outlined is the building of new schools, hospitals, houses and numeral agricultural projects. He also reported back on major capital projects that have been undertaken including the development of infrastructure.

President Pohamba promised that the Government would accelerate the implementation of capital projects so as to boost the economy and create more jobs.

" I trust that collectively, as a nation, we can and will weather the storm, " said the President.

The President's speech correctly mirrored both achievements and challenges. It provided proper diagnosis of the nation's ills and prescription for healing. Indeed, his was a realistic appraisal of the state of the nation.

One of the problems that the President highlighted is the issue of poverty alleviation. The President was very clear that Namibia cannot afford to have a society of 'haves' and 'have nots'.

Equally important in the President's address was his emphasis on the need for political tolerance and the preservation of peace and stability in the country.

The President has spoken and it is now time to act. Government has and continues to do its part. What remains is for us, individuals and communities alike, to play our part.

Government alone cannot address poverty or provide the necessary jobs. It is up to us citizens both individually and collectively to start working hard. Unless we as citizens embrace the virtues of hard work, we will continue to be dogged by poverty and under-development.

There is a growing tendency among many of us to want to be rewarded graciously for little work. There are those who feel entitled to some benefits for nothing. This is grossly unfair.

As Namibians, we must inculcate a sense of worth in ourselves by harvesting what we reap and not seek free lunches. And more so, the tough times that lie ahead require us to be prudent. We have to learn to live on less so that we have something for tomorrow.