Aron Mushaukwa

Belinda Kulatau

Cecilia Iyambo

KATIMA MULILO – Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus on Monday officially launched the regional campaign of the National Symbols in the Zambezi region. 

The event brought together various stakeholders from the region, including political leaders, uniformed personnel and
learners from various schools. 

The launch started with a march from the Katima Mulilo open market to the Caprivi Senior Secondary School, where the launch
took place. During the launch, Theofelus called on the residents of Zambezi to support the campaign. 

“By understanding and
respecting these symbols, we strengthen our national fabric and contribute to the realisation of the immense potential that lies within our diverse cultural heritage,” stated Theofelus.

The deputy minister further said the National Symbols campaign is a call to action for the residents of Zambezi and the country at large to foster a sense of belonging and pride, as well as to set an example to the young and future generations.

“We have the opportunity to instil in our young learners a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for the symbols that bind us together,” she stated.

In his remarks, Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu stressed that the regional launch was the beginning of a journey to deepen the understanding of national symbols in the region. 

He further called on young people to make a meaningful contribution to the nation. 

“Some of you are contemplating committing suicide, and that is not good. Think of Namibia first; do not say what is Namibia going to do for you. Ask yourself, what are you going to do for Namibia? What are you going to do for your parents? What are you going to do for your family?” implored Sampofu. 

When the minister launched the campaign in the Kavango East recently, governor Bonifatius Wakudumo encouraged the nation to stand united in rejecting all forms of unpatriotic tendencies, saying a nation that does not respect the singing of its national anthem or its national flag is a lost nation.

“We need to teach our young people the importance of national symbols to promote a common identity,” said Wakudumo.

Jonas Pedro, a pupil at the Rundu Secondary School, called on the leaders to embrace youth participation and engage them in decisions that will chart a collective identity, especially in the fields of education and technology. 

“Let this event mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to our national ideal, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends any division,” noted Pedro.

The activation of the National Symbols campaign aims to improve national identity, patriotism and pride among Namibians. It also seeks to raise awareness about the protocols and significance of the national symbols.

The campaign was nationally launched by the ICT ministry in Swakopmund in June this year, and it is currently being rolled out in all 14 regions.

- MICT Zambezi region & MICT Kavango East.