Retired major general Charles Namoloh has said the battle of Cuito Cuanavale, fought intermittently between 14 August 1987 and 23 March 1988, south and east of the town of Cuito Cuanavale, Angola, paved the way for the liberation of southern African countries.

Speaking to New Era yesterday ahead of today’s annual commemoration of Southern African Liberation Day, Namoloh said the outcomes of the battle of Cuito Cuanavale were important for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“This day is very important and was a remarkable day in the history of the SADC region. Remember, it was on this day that the independence of southern African countries was realised. This is the day when the invincible army of South Africa collapsed,” he observed. 

“This is where the system crumbled,” Namoloh said, adding that the results of the Cuito Cuanavale campaign were crucial in persuading the leaders of South Africa’s national party to cut their losses.

Former Namibian Defence Force (NDF) chief Martin Shalli said the battle of Cuito Cuanavale was an important battle for the southern African people, as the battle changed the geopolitics of the region.

“What is most important on this day is the sacrifices made by Angolan and Cuban leaders,” he added.

“The battle wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the help we got from them and the former Soviet Union countries. We remain indebted to them. The battle put a nail to the end of apartheid.”

The battle of Cuito Cuanavale was fought on the banks of the Lomba River, southeastern Angola. It involved the late Jonas Savimbi-led rebel group UNITA, assisted by the South African Defence Force against the Angolan army (FAPLA), which was assisted by Cuba, Swapo, and the Soviet Union and to a lesser extent East Germany.

Many people died on all fronts involved in the battle. 

In 2018, all member states of SADC, including Angola, declared 23 March an official holiday called Southern Africa Liberation Day. The day commemorates the victory of Angolan and Cuban forces over South African forces in the battle of Cuito Cuanavale.

The education ministry announced yesterday that the annual commemoration day will be held at the National Museum of Namibia with pupils from various schools in Windhoek, with Cuban ambassador to Namibia Sidenio Ascota Aday set to officiate.  -ktjitemisa@nepc.com.na