RUNDU – President Nangolo Mbumba says he expects uniformed forces, during this election year, to continue preserving and protecting Namibia’s hard-won freedom and peace, noting that there may be some elements who would try and seize the moment of political campaigns to sow seeds of division by instigating violence.
Mbumba was officiating at the 10th regular commissioning course's graduation ceremony for the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) at the 261 Battalion military base at Rundu on Thursday.
The president said: “We expect that in this Year of Expectations and Elections, you will continue to protect and preserve Namibia’s hard-won freedom and peace. There are some few elements that may try and seize the moment of political campaigning to sow the seeds of division by fomenting violence and civil unrest.
“Others may try to seize the cover of election campaigns to engage in nefarious and criminal activities.
For that reason, together with the Namibian Police, be on high alert to enforce peace, stability and order.
You must swiftly and without hesitation remind those that harbour these divisive ideologies they have no place in the Namibian House,” he said.
Around 148 officer cadets graduated in different sections of the NDF - the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
In his keynote address, Mbumba expressed pride to witness the graduation of officer cadets who were recruited directly upon completion of their secondary education.
“This is indeed a proud moment to witness the graduation of first officer cadets that were recruited directly upon completion of their secondary education. This is a first for the NDF and it serves as a sign that in Namibia, we are keen to continue developing the quality of our men and women in uniform so that they are on par with other defence forces in the region and further afield. Therefore, this is a significant development that buttresses our efforts to build a modern and well equipped NDF,” said President Mbumba.
“You are expected to maintain order, discipline and obedience among your ranks and display prompt and willing responsiveness to the demands placed upon you,” the Head of State urged.
Mbumba lauded the fact that the 10th regular commissioning intake recruits are officer cadets from all 14 regions in the country, who started training on 19 December last year.
Such actions taken by the leadership of the NDF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), not only contribute to the strengthening of the institution but also ensures unity and harmony within the defence force.
He encouraged the officer cadets to, at all times, exemplify the commitment, patriotism and discipline which define the ethos of the defence force.
A recent incident where a member of the ruling Swapo party at Mix Settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek assaulted another member of the same party following a brief altercation caused many to express fear that Namibia’s politics might descend into violence.
The violence was rewarded with N$1 000 for a “job well done” by Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters’ economic commissar, forex trader-turned-social justice activist Micheal Amushelelo.
Meanwhile, during his visit to Rundu, President Mbumba also visited Dr Alpo Mauno Mbamba Secondary School to engage teachers and pupils on the subject of education.
Mbumba paid tribute to his late friend and comrade, Mbamba, by laying a wreath at his gravesite.
At the school, where the school hall was dedicated in his honour, Mbumba expressed gratitude to the Mbamba family and the assembled audience. He reminisced about their shared history, including their involvement in the struggle for independence. Furthermore, President Mbumba urged pupils to prioritise academic excellence, emphasising that well-read individuals often ascend to leadership roles.
-Nampa
(Army)
Caption: