Menette Hiyavali

From nights of fear and military patrols to a nation of opportunity, veterans in Kavango East reflect on Namibia’s 36 years of independence, recounting sacrifice, resilience and the steady transformation of their communities.

Seventy-seven-year-old Klemence Kaveto Kanyaga from Ngondo village recalls a childhood overshadowed by fear. Growing up in Rundjarara, he witnessed a heavy military presence, with soldiers patrolling communities in casspirs and intimidating residents to avoid political gatherings linked to Swapo.

Kanyaga joined the liberation movement while working at a mine in Kombat, influenced by the late John Pandeni. He remembers a time when opportunities were limited and tightly controlled.

“We lived in fear, and even basic freedoms like education or employment in government were out of reach,” he said.

Reflecting on present-day Namibia, Kanyaga acknowledged the significant strides made. Access to electricity, water, social grants and free education has transformed lives.

“Development may seem slow, but when you compare it to the past, the difference is clear,” he added.

Eighty-year-old Tjarura Mudumbi from Kangweru village described the liberation struggle as bitter and costly, noting that many lost their lives after joining the movement.

She recalled how civilians risked their safety by assisting combatants with food, often hiding evidence before inspections by apartheid soldiers.

Mudumbi expressed gratitude for witnessing an independent Namibia where women enjoy freedoms that were once unimaginable.

“Today, women own and drive vehicles freely. Before, even owning a car required constant proof and fear of authority,” she said, while urging young people to reject tribalism and embrace unity.

Asset Mberekera (64) from Ngone village reflected on his role as a student during the struggle. He described how they would secretly mobilise fellow learners at night to join the cause.

His family faced repeated harassment after his uncle, Eusebius Haingura left the country to join the liberation movement.

Mberekera called on the youth to unite and avoid divisions that threaten national cohesion.

“We were united in the fight for freedom. Today, young people must work together to protect what was fought for,” he said.

As Namibia commemorated its independence, the reflections of these veterans stand as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, resilience and progress, while urging future generations to preserve unity and continue building the nation. 

*Menette Hiyavali is a Senior Information Officer in the MICT, Kavango East region.