Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has sounded the alarm over growing divisions in Namibian society.
She warned that the nation risks “a crusade for self-destruction” if citizens fail to unite.
Speaking yesterday at the 59th Heroes’ Day Commemoration at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex in the Zambezi region, the President expressed concern that Namibians were increasingly “at each other’s throats” across families, communities, politics, religious institutions and traditional authorities.
“We are failing to lift each other up and push forward together for the common good. It troubles me deeply that we are too much at each other’s throats… We are all one,” she said.
The Head of State urged Namibians to resolve differences peacefully, warning against the dangers of violence and intolerance.
She called for respect, tolerance and sensitivity in handling disputes, especially among young people who may not fully grasp the sacrifices that brought independence.
She reminded the gathering of the devastating consequences of war, drawing attention to global conflicts that show the human suffering caused by violence, particularly to women and children.
“As a nation, we must preserve our peace at all costs,” she stressed.
This year’s commemoration, themed ‘Built on Bravery, Bound for a Prosperous Future’, was historic for the Zambezi region, as it was the first time the national event was hosted there. The stadium was filled to the brim, as thousands of people poured in to welcome the President, waving the Namibian flag high in celebration.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her role as Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, inspected the guard of honour to the delight of the crowd.
Law and order prevailed throughout the day, as citizens gathered in unity to listen to her address.
The atmosphere was further electrified by spirited performances from the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and cultural groups, representing Namibia’s diverse ethnic communities, showcasing the very unity the President called for.
The commemoration was attended by government leaders, traditional authorities, delegations from neighbouring countries and members of the public.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the need for unity as a foundation for Namibia’s socio-economic transformation, noting that peace and trust are the bedrock of democracy.
“Trust is the heart of our democracy. Without it, despair can breed actions that threaten the very fabric of our society,” she said.
The day was marked in remembrance of the sacrifices of Namibia’s freedom fighters, with special tributes paid to fallen liberation stalwarts and recognition of traditional leaders in the Zambezi region for setting an example of unity.
A moment of silence was observed in remembrance and honour of Sam Nujoma, the late Founding President and father of the fallen heroes and heroines.
In a symbolic gesture, the President announced that the government will establish graves at Heroes’ Acre in honour of Swapo stalwarts Tobias Hainyeko and Brendan Simbwaye, whose remains or burial sites remain unknown to this day.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
