Africa-Press – Namibia. Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka has called on residents to transition from celebrating political freedom to actively generating shared prosperity.
Speaking at the Rundu Sports Stadium during the 36th Independence Day anniversary on 21 March 2026, Hambyuka delivered a poignant address that balanced the region’s liberation history with a modern vision for industrialisation.
This year’s commemoration, held under the national theme “Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future,” marked a historic shift as all 14 regions celebrated simultaneously following a directive from President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“Today we gather not simply to mark a date, but to remember a turning point in our collective story. On 21 March 1990, Namibia did not only become independent on paper; our people reclaimed their voice, their land, and their future,” Hambyuka told the gathered crowd.
He further said that beyond 35, the task for Kavango East is to ensure that independence translates into improved living conditions for every family, from the urban neighbourhoods of Rundu to the remote cattle posts along the river and deep into the forests.
“As people speak about freedom, it must include access to quality education, reliable healthcare, and economic opportunities that allow young people to remain in the region and build their futures here at home,” he said.
The governor paid tribute to liberation giants and the ordinary villagers of Kavango East, noting that the region served as a frontline where the Kavango River once carried the tension of conflict. He emphasised that for the Hambukushu, Gciriku and Shambyu communities, independence means the freedom to guide their people in peace under sovereign law.
However, his message was firmly rooted in the future. He identified youth unemployment, water provision, and housing as critical challenges that the 8th Administration is working to address. He highlighted the National Youth Development Fund and local agro-processing initiatives as practical steps toward economic independence.
Addressing the youth directly, Hambyuka described independence as their “inheritance.” He urged them to protect this legacy through education and discipline, rather than conflict.
“The future of Kavango East will be determined more by the choices you make in your classrooms and workplaces,” he said.
The ceremony began with a vibrant march-past by the Namibian Defence Force, symbolising the peace Hambyuka vowed to maintain.
“I wish to leave you with the words of our President, Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and I quote: ‘Our future is bright if we continue to walk this journey together as Namibians. Our Independence Day is, therefore, not only a celebration of our past, but also a call to recommit ourselves to building a better future, with one heart and one mind.’ Unquote. With these words, I wish all Namibians a Happy 36th Independence Day,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
