Lahja Nashuuta
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, citizens are being urged not to take the country’s hard-won freedom for granted but instead to honour the sacrifices made by the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
Sioni Ikela, who was born and raised in Onaanda village in the Omusati region, recalls the difficult years of colonial rule and says independence remains one of the greatest milestones in Namibia’s history.
Reflecting on his childhood, Ikela, an academic and former Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) executive member, said although he was young during the liberation struggle, he vividly remembers the harsh treatment experienced by many villagers at the hands of apartheid security forces.
“I have seen Casspirs. I have seen how some elderly people in our village, including my own grandparents, were treated and sometimes beaten by members of Koevoet and the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF),” he recalled.
The Casspir is a legendary South African 4×4 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, developed in the late 1970s for police counterinsurgency in Namibia and Angola. Ikela said the presence of military vehicles in villages created fear among residents, as soldiers often moved through communities without regard for people or their property.
“They did not respect the property of our people. If there was a fence, they would simply drive through it from whatever direction they were coming. They would cut the fence or drive over it and go wherever they wanted,” he said.
Freedom
According to Ikela, Namibia’s independence on 21 March 1990, marked the end of that painful chapter and the beginning of a new era for the country.
“Getting independence was, and will always remain, a milestone achievement for the Namibian people who fought together for the freedom we enjoy today,” he said.
Ikela believes citizens must take time to reflect on the country’s journey and appreciate the stability it has maintained since 1990.
“Sometimes we take these things for granted. For a nation to enjoy freedom and independence without instability is something we must appreciate and protect,” he said. Ikela praised Namibia’s tradition of peaceful political transitions, noting that the country’s leaders have consistently respected democratic processes.
“Namibia has had several presidents since independence, but none took power through violence or overthrowing their predecessors. Leadership has always changed through peaceful elections,” he noted.
Ikela described this as a major achievement for a young democracy.
On the development front, he said Namibia has made notable progress in infrastructure and social programmes.
“Namibia is known for its good road network. I have travelled to other countries, and I can confidently say that many of them cannot match Namibia when it comes to road infrastructure,” he said.
He also commended the government’s social protection programmes, particularly the old-age pension and other social grants provided to vulnerable citizens.
“Our government has continued to support the elderly and people in need through social grants. In many countries, such support does not exist,” he said. Ikela welcomed the recent increase in the old-age pension, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
He further praised the policy of free education, describing it as a positive step towards improving access to learning opportunities.
“The idea of free education must be celebrated. Of course, it still has challenges, but the intention is good. What is needed now is a sustainable mechanism to raise funds and improve the system,” he said.
Despite the progress made, Ikela acknowledged that Namibia still faces several socio-economic challenges that require urgent attention.
Among them is unemployment, particularly among the youth.
“Young people are struggling to find jobs. Although there are programmes such as the youth empowerment initiatives, more needs to be done to create employment opportunities,” he stressed.
He also called for stronger policies to ensure that Namibia’s natural resources benefit its citizens.
Ikela further highlighted concerns about the country’s healthcare system, saying although progress has been made since independence, much improvement is still needed. “Healthcare remains a serious challenge. Our health system needs more attention to ensure quality services for all Namibians,” he said.
Challenges
Water scarcity was another major concern raised by the villager, particularly in rural areas where agricultural activities depend heavily on reliable water sources.
“This country has land suitable for farming, but the challenge is water. Government should prioritise the development of water infrastructure to support agriculture and food security,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of a reliable electricity supply, noting that energy is essential for economic growth and service delivery. Ikela further pointed out challenges in internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, which affects students who rely on the internet for research and academic work.
“Our network coverage in many areas is still poor. This makes it difficult for students to complete assignments and access information,” he said.
Progress
Meanwhile, youth activist, teacher and academic Tangeni Isaac said one of Namibia’s greatest achievements since independence is the peace the country has maintained.
“The one thing we can never take for granted is the peace we have maintained as a country,” he said.
Isaac noted that despite Namibia’s relatively small population, the country has managed to produce citizens capable of competing on the global stage. “We have done well in producing citizens who can compete internationally in areas such as education and sports,” Isaac said.
He also highlighted the country’s social welfare system as an important support mechanism for vulnerable groups.
“Our welfare grants cater for the elderly, people living with disabilities, orphans and other vulnerable children,” he added.
Isaac added that fundamental human rights and freedoms, as enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution, remain a reality for many Namibians. “Fundamental human rights and freedoms of Namibians are largely respected, and we have also seen more women taking up leadership positions since independence.”
However, he said several developmental challenges still require urgent attention.
“Youth unemployment is estimated to be above 40%, which is a major cause for concern.”
He also called for improvements in the education system, including addressing overcrowded classrooms and reintroducing technical subjects in schools.
“We need to invest in sports from the grassroots level and ensure that arts and culture are properly supported.”
Isaac further emphasised the need for greater efficiency within the public sector.
“Civil servants who treat government offices as their personal space should be sent packing. We need efficiency.”
Former member of parliament and social commentator Hidipo Hamata said Namibia’s continued peace and democratic stability remain among the country’s greatest achievements as the nation marks 36 years of independence.
“As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, our greatest achievement is the peace and democracy we continue to enjoy,” he said.
Hamata said Namibia has avoided the political instability experienced in many parts of the world.
“Around the world, many nations struggle with instability, but here leaders from different parties can meet, discuss and resolve issues peacefully,” he said.
He added that the country’s professionals and public servants play a vital role in sustaining the nation.
“Judges and lawyers uphold the rule of law, doctors and nurses care for citizens, police officers and soldiers safeguard security, while teachers, civil servants and entrepreneurs continue to build our communities.”