OKONGO– As the country commemorates Heroes’ Day yesterday, residents of Okongo expressed mixed feelings about what freedom means to them.
For Okongo regional councillor Efraim Shipindo, Heroes’ Day serves as a powerful reminder of the men and women who paid the ultimate price to free Namibia.
He described the occasion as an opportunity to honor their bravery and sacrifices, but also cautioned that freedom should be felt in the everyday lives of ordinary Namibians.
“We cannot take our freedom for granted. The peace we enjoy today is because of their blood and courage. But true freedom must be seen in projects that change people’s lives, proper houses, jobs, roads, water, and youth opportunities,” he said.
Many residents in Okongo supported his sentiments, saying while they are proud to live in a free and peaceful country, the lack of development in rural areas has left them questioning whether the promises of independence have been fully realised.
Retired soldier David Tjiposa recalled the pain of the liberation struggle, saying independence gave Namibians dignity and rights they once did not have.
“We used to be second-class citizens in our own country. Now we can vote, speak freely, and move as we want. But I wish government would finish the projects it starts in our villages,” he said.
Others, particularly the youth, voiced frustration over unemployment and poverty.
Selma Nangolo, a young graduate, said Heroes’ Day should not only be about remembering the past but also about ensuring that young people benefit from the freedom gained.
“Heroes’ Day is important because we must remember where we came from. But the youth feel left out. Many of us are educated but unemployed,” she lamented.
Another resident, Maria Shilongo, also pointed to unfinished housing and service delivery projects as evidence that independence has not yet translated into meaningful change.
“We hear of tenders being awarded, but we wait years for houses, electricity, or roads. Our freedom must come with development,”she said.
Others were more reflective, emphasising that despite the challenges, peace remains one of the country’s greatest achievements.
“I was a child during the war. I know the pain of running to hide from bombs. Today we live in peace, and that is something no money can buy. But government should invest more in rural schools and hospitals,” said 46-year-old Martha Lilemba.
Many residents agree that the sacrifices of Namibia’s heroes should not only be remembered through annual speeches, but also through practical improvements in their lives.