Zebras are highly social, congregating either in harems consisting of one stallion and up to six mares (with foals) or massive, sweeping herds consisting of several hundreds of harems. It's famously distinctive hide aside, the origin of which is still a matter of scientific speculation, it is estimated the species started evolving in Africa almost 4 million years ago and individuals can live for up to twenty years. The name is said to have been mentioned in the Congo but was apparently first written down in Portuguese. Zebra mares mature faster than stallions and can foal at age three, while stallions typically mature between the ages of five and six years. Interestingly, the markings on a zebra's hide is unique to each individual and no two are alike.
The spirit of the zebra is not solitary because for its very survival, the zebra depends on the herd. For example, when predators are in the vicinity, zebras form a 'laager' around their foals (huddling around the foals, in a circle), bray loudly to warn other zebras when predators are approaching and fall asleep (standing up, like horses) only when other zebras are nearby, demonstrating faith in other zebras. They may be slower than horses but possess tremendous stamina to outrun some of the fastest predators on the African continent, in a zig-zag manner.
Due to its nervous disposition and unpredictable temperament, efforts made to domesticate the zebra have failed miserably, and from all accounts, many have tried in the past. Quick reflexes and acute senses make the zebra a wild horse to be approached with the utmost of care and caution. In Namibia, wildlife is not kept in cages (unless they're in need of medical attention), roam free in game reserves and anyone is welcome to see their favourite animal spirit throughout the year, courtesy of our extensive nature conservation programmes. Once spotted in the wild, zebras are admired from a distance in game reserves; we're grateful if one or two turns a head in our direction with the flick of a striped tail and the twitch of an ear, without nervously bolting away into the bush.
The duality of the zebra symbol originates from its distinctive, contrasting markings - both black and white (of equal strength and distribution), naturally we'd ask which colour is it trying to be? Is it a black horse with white stripes or a white horse with black stripes? An added dimension to our perception of the zebra, is the manifestation of a native, untamed spirit in the body of a remarkable wild horse. It is equally remarkable to observe that in its original state (left undisturbed and with no interference), as seen in Africa today, zebra societies function successfully and have done so for thousands of years.
It should come as no surprise that the zebra is the symbol for all that is beneficial for and detrimental to the individual in relation to friendships, groups, associations and other interpersonal attachments, beyond the immediate family (sociability). It also symbolises the underlying dynamics of friendships, groups and associations such mutual understanding, unconditional acceptance, trust, loyalty, compassion and support for the individual within the group dynamic. The Year of the Zebra therefore asks of us to critically evaluate our friendships and associations, in addition to evaluating our own identities within those parametres.
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Groups, as we all know, like friendships and other associations, share values and employ a variety of mechanisms, acceptable to all and surprisingly effective, to pressurise members to conform to whatever values are highly regard by the group. For example, thousands of Namibians rely on support networks beyond the immediate family, for economic survival (financial assistance) and it only follows that the higher the individual's reliance on the group, the greater her/his compliance to the values of the group. This is just a single example of how individuals incentivise themselves to adhere to the values of a particular group or association.
On the contrary, individual growth, ambitions and expression may not find release within the confines of a group, nor be permitted by a particular association, and we all know, without a doubt, that people's opinions often change over time or as the result of altered circumstances. When it happens that the individual and the group are no longer in fundamental 'agreement', to avoid unnecessary conflict (or when conflict escalates), this is the juncture at which friendships come to an end, group membership is suspended and associations disbanded. Friendships, groups and associations are at their cores exclusive and thanks to this one quality, therefore not particularly tolerant.
The Year of the Zebra requires of each individual to assess and evaluate her/his role within a group, an association or a friendship and whether the latter adds value to her/his personal existence. Pertinent questions to be asked relate to what happens to the individual in a friendship, in a group, or within an association? Do we change who we are to 'fit in'? Do we change our opinions to please the group or our friends? What are we willing to do for that association? And, similarly, how far are we willing to go? Even more importantly, as an individual, do I genuinely share the values of the group (association, friendship)? And, if I don't share those values, can I realistically still expect the group to trust and accept me unconditionally? Is it fair to claim an association when I no longer value an association?
We face harsh realities in our everyday lives as human beings and life is very often not easy to begin with. For this reason, many Namibians find solace, protection, acceptance and survival in a variety of social groupings. Submergence in the group could also be viewed as a desire to hide, not to stand out or be recognised as an individual, a desire 'to belong', a clear desire to seek the approval and acceptance of the group, benefit from the group and in response, to perpetuate the values espoused by a group (friendship and association), thereby assisting the latter to achieve its goals for survival (as an entity). Nothing is free and if one subscribes to a particular affiliation, it is only a fair expectation one studies the fine print as to what it is expected of individual members within that association.
None of the above is undesirable or even detrimental because at certain times in everyone's lives, the support of a group, association and friends is most definitely required. It is for the individual however, to decide how much she/he is willing to sacrifice of her/his resources (time, energy, financially, etc.) to belong to a particular group, an association or to sustain a friendship, what value such attachments add to her/his life and to keep in mind that the zebra is a great demonstration that the group's contribution to the successful survival of all its members, is invaluable. It also makes us aware of the fact that groups, friendships and associations consist of individuals, each with her/his own unique and distinctive markings (characteristics) and as successful as the zebra is in the wild, it is not grey - instead, intriguingly, it is both black and white (in equal proportion). I hereby wish everyone a fabulous 2014, filled with love, fun, laughter, joy and success. This will be an unforgettable Year of the Zebra!
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