Namibia today marked the 59th Heroes’ Day Commemoration with a historic gathering in Katima Mulilo, where President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered her first Heroes’ Day keynote address as Head of State.
Addressing thousands of Namibians who gathered at the Zambezi Region’s capital, the President paid tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes and heroines, highlighting the sacrifices made in the liberation struggle. She noted that this year’s commemoration is particularly poignant as it is the first Heroes’ Day without the physical presence of Founding President and Father of the Nation, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
“His seat is now empty forever, but his legacy will continue to guide us,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said, calling for a moment of silence in his honour.
The President reflected on the contributions of Namibia’s former Heads of State, acknowledging the leadership of Dr. Nujoma, the late Dr. Hage Geingob, and the continued wisdom of Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba and Dr. Nangolo Mbumba. She emphasised that their collective legacies remain pillars of the nation’s democracy and unity.
Speaking from Katima Mulilo, birthplace of liberation icons such as Brendan Simbwaye, Greenwell Matongo, Richard Kapelwa, and Tobias Hainyeko, the President announced that symbolic graves for Simbwaye and Hainyeko will be designated at Heroes’ Acre in their honour.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded Namibians of the significance of August 26, the day that ignited the armed liberation struggle. She said the gallant fighters who confronted one of Africa’s most powerful armies at the time did so with limited resources, but with an unwavering determination to secure freedom for future generations.
“The theme of this year’s commemoration, ‘Built on bravery, bound for a prosperous future,’ captures the resilience of our nation,” she said, adding that the accompanying logo symbolises both remembrance and Namibia’s aspirations for economic growth, health, sports, agriculture, and social progress.
The Head of State paid special tribute to the pioneers of the armed struggle, including John Ya-Otto Nankudhu and Simeon Linekela Shixungileni, who ignited the first spark of resistance at Omugulugwombashe. She recalled the words of the late Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, who once declared: “I know the struggle will be long and bitter. I also know that my people will wage that struggle, whatever the cost.”
The President noted that Namibia has made significant progress since independence, with infrastructure development, schools, clinics, and improved access to services in all regions. She stressed that her administration, guided by the SWAPO Party manifesto and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), remains committed to youth empowerment, industrialisation, job creation, and fighting corruption.
“Corruption is a betrayal of trust. It must be treated as treason,” she warned, urging both public and private institutions to ensure accountability and quality service delivery.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further called for peace and unity, warning against division and intolerance. “We are failing to lift each other up and to push forward together. It troubles me that we are too often at each other’s throats in families, institutions, and politics. We must resolve our differences peacefully,” she urged.
She also extended appreciation to countries that supported Namibia during the liberation struggle, including Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, and Cuba.
Before concluding her speech, the President paid tribute to the late Lieutenant General Salomon Dumeni Hawala, a former PLAN commander and second Chief of the Defence Force, who passed away recently and will be buried as a national hero on 6 September 2025.
Closing her address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibians to continue building a nation of inclusivity, equity, and prosperity in honour of the sacrifices of the fallen.
“One Namibia, One Nation! Long live the Republic of Namibia! Happy Heroes’ Day,” she declared to resounding applause.
