WINDHOEK – President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Monday conferred 395 national honours on individuals who significantly contributed to the liberation of Namibia through political, military, education, health, media, reconstruction and development.
The conferment was in recognition of Namibians from different spheres of society for the roles they have played in serving their motherland both in pre- and post-independent Namibia, the President explained.
Pohamba said the system of national honours was established in keeping with the tradition where nations recognise and honour their citizens or foreigners who have distinguished themselves in serving their country.
State House was abuzz with excitement on Monday as throngs of Namibians of note – business personalities, medical doctors, church leaders and politicians, among others – arrived to receive their medals.
Former First Lady Kovambo Nujoma and current First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba both received medals of Most Brilliant Order of the Sun First Class. The same honour was bestowed on former deputy speaker of parliament, retired Bishop Zephania Kameeta.
Former ambassador, Dr Zedekia Ngavirue, Hardap Regional Governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Namdeb CEO Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, businesswoman Monica Kalondo and former deputy agriculture minister Paul Smith were also among a host of conferees.
Queen of the track Johanna Benson – the only Namibian to have scooped a gold medal at the Paralympic games – received the medal of Most Distinguished Order of Namibia Fifth Class for her sporting achievements. She was crowned world champion in 2012 with a gold and silver medal in the T20 100 and 200 metres respectively.
Overall, the honours conferred were The Most Brilliant Order of the Sun (first and second class), The Excellence Order of the Eagle (first and second class), The Most Distinguished Order of Namibia (first, second, third, fourth and fifth class) and the Independence Medal.
Ten people, including recently deceased sports personality Quinton-Steele Botes, were honoured posthumously.
Pohamba said many Namibians with outstanding contributions were not honoured, but their work is noted with great appreciation by government.
“Our own independence did not come on a silver platter. It took conviction, commitment and perseverance by many Namibians, both in exile and on the home front,” the President said.
“It is, therefore, important that we recognise their invaluable contribution to the national liberation struggle as well as those who continue to excel in delivering service to our beloved motherland, in all spheres of our socio-economic development.”
Pohamba said all the 395 recipients represent a cross-section of society that include veterans of the liberation struggle, politicians, men and women in uniform, academics, the clergy, diplomats, businesspersons, medical personnel and sports men and women.
He congratulated all of them for receiving what he termed “well-deserved honours”.
“I am confident that this recognition will inspire other Namibians to do their best to make Namibia a better place. I urge all Namibians to inculcate the culture of self-sacrifice and hard work.” Pohamba said for the past 24 years, Namibia has been making great strides and recording achievements in various fields despite many challenges. “We have maintained peace and stability, which are the prerequisites for economic development and social progress.”
“We have continued to strengthen the rule of law, democracy and constitutionalism as our chosen system of governance,” he said.
In the field of public service and policy implementation, Pohamba said many Namibians have been working hard over the years and contributed significantly to the success of the implementation of government policies and programmes.
“We are making progress because our men and women have made it their mission to go beyond the call of duty in serving the nation.”