By William Mbangula
Eenhana
President Hifikepunye Pohamba has lashed out at what he called misguided individuals and organisations acting in concert to disrupt peace and stability in the country by engaging in sustained and uncalled for attacks on the Father of the Nation and Swapo President, Dr Sam Nujoma.
Addressing Heroes’ Day celebrations at Eenhana on Sunday, the Head of State specifically referred to what he termed an ill-conceived submission to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by Phil ya Nangoloh of the National Society of Human Rights (NSHR) seeking the prosecution of Nujoma and other Namibians.
He said when he looked at the nature of the verbal attacks and abuses directed at Nujoma and the submission to the ICC, it shows that it is part of an ongoing ploy to disrupt peace and stability.
“Those who are attacking and vilifying Comrade Nujoma are engaging in a dangerous game that can take our country down a very slippery slope and plunge Namibia into the dark depths of instability and mistrust. We have all seen the havoc and ruin that political conflicts have done to other countries here on our continent and elsewhere. It is therefore, our duty as peace loving citizens to jealously guard the peace and stability that we enjoy today.”
The Head of State noted that people should rather use their time, skills and resourcefulness towards activities that build the country, not those that destroy it. In this sense, those vilifying Nujoma knowingly or unknowingly are disturbing peace and stability. As the nation pays homage to the memory and honour of the fallen heroes and heroines of the revolution, it should also remember the heroic deeds and contributions of the outstanding sons and daughters of the soil to the liberation struggle against apartheid colonialism.
He stressed: “There is no doubt that Cde Nujoma stands out as one of those sons and daughters of our motherland who dedicated their entire lives to the welfare of our nation.
“It is therefore an insult not only to Namibia and Cde Nujoma but also to myself for Ya Nangoloh to insinuate that in 1966 Cde Nujoma came back home alone as an enemy collaborator. I can confirm to our nation once again that Cde Nujoma and I were detained in the same police cell, as such I was at all material times with Cde Nujoma until we were deported back to Zambia on the second day of our detention. It must be made clear that the mandate to come back home to challenge the apartheid colonial regime was a decision of the Swapo leadership. The plane we used was paid for by the Liberation Committee of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the AU now.”
According to the President, Namibians know their true history and they know that Nujoma was at the helm of Namibia’s liberation struggle for freedom and independence until the achievement of nationhood on 21 March 1990. For 30 years, he said, Nujoma led the people of Namibia through thick and thin and for another 15 years he led Namibia as a proud and free nation. As a result, Nujoma (who also attended the event here) can be fairly and squarely called the father of the policy of national reconciliation, and therefore he deserves the necessary respect.
On the democratic system of the country, the President said it needs to be nurtured so that it can become stronger. Although the tree of democracy has grown deep roots, people need to nurture it further so that the citizens can continue to reap its fruits for many years to come. The peace and stability enjoyed in the country is one of the most important assets that are critical for development. Without peace and stability, the country will not be able to achieve its development objectives. Without peace and stability, the National Development Plans and Vision 2030 will remain an unachievable dream.
It is for such reason that all citizens should work towards the common goal of creating a more stable and peaceful Namibia.
In his view a country where citizens preoccupy themselves with constructive and productive endeavours aimed at nation building and enhancing the policy of national reconciliation, will always move forward.
These are the ideals that the heroes and heroines fought and died for and must be the ideals that the living and future generations should promote and live for.
The Heroes’ Day celebrations also marked the reburial of human remains and the inauguration of the Heroes’ Shrine. About two years ago, building contractors at the former South Africa military base at Eenhana discovered human remains. Apart from those remains from the former military base, others found elsewhere in the country were also accorded a dignified burial here.
Commenting on the solemn occasion, the President called upon all Namibians to join hands and commit themselves to the promotion of peace and genuine national reconciliation.
He said on Heroes’ Day, the nation is remembering the heroes and heroines of the glorious revolution, recalling their acts of gallantry and bravery. Their noble acts will forever serve as a source of strength and inspiration to the living and future generations in order to create and consolidate a better Namibia.
Said the President: “The task of nation building is difficult and arduous.
However, in unity of purpose, we can achieve our common goals and objectives. On this day, we pause and reflect on the difficult journey that the people of Namibia have walked in their march towards nationhood and freedom. We still have a long road ahead of us towards Vision 3030 and the realisation of prosperity for all our citizens.
“Let us walk this road together as Namibians, bound together by the strong bonds of our policy of national reconciliation, hard work, mutual respect and civility.”
Apart from the President who laid a wreath on the shrine after he inaugurated it, others who followed him were Dr Nujoma, Prime Minister Nahas Angula, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab, Chairman of the National Council Asser Kapere, Chief Justice Peter Shivute, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Angolan Ambassador Manuel Alexandre Duarte Rodrigues, the Queen of Ovakwanyama Martha Nelumbu, and Lt Gen Martin Shalli, Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.
The Head of State also conferred honorary ranks (of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Major) as well as medals on 95 war veterans, among them the commander of the 1966 battle of Omugulugoombashe John Otto Nankudhu (Colonel), Swapo veteran and Special Advisor in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration Mzee Simon Kaukungwa, Namibian High Commissioner to South Africa Phillemon Kondja Kambala, former NBC Oshiwambo Service presenter Nestor Iyambo, former Police Commander in Oshana Elisa Elia Haulyondjaba and many others.