WINDHOEK – President Hifikepunye Pohamba has implored Namibians of all races, colours and creeds to become foot soldiers in the struggle against poverty, saying this will fulfil the dreams of the country’s fallen and living heroes of the liberation struggle.
Underdevelopment, corruption and violence against women roll back the heroism of Namibians who sacrificed themselves for the greater good of the country, the President said in his Heroes’ Day address yesterday.
Pohamba made the remarks at Heroes’ Acre, where seven Swapo liberation icons who died in exile between 1977 and 1987 were reburied.
The seven – whom government accorded the heroes’ funeral yesterday – included Swapo’s secretary for defence and commander of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), Eneas Peter Nanyemba.
The others were Walde Homateni Kalwenya, Isack ‘Pondo’ Shikongo, Natalia Ndahambelela Shikangala Mavulu, Meekulu Putuse Appolus, Linekela Kalenga and Augustinus ‘McNamara’ Nghaamwa.
Their remains were exhumed from Angola and Zambia a few months ago and repatriated to Namibia for yesterday’s reburial.
The reburial was part of the Heroes’ Day commemoration, which was attended by people from all walks of life, including foreign diplomats.
A 17-gun salute was performed by members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) in respect and honour of the seven men and women as the coffins were lowered into their respective graves.
In his keynote address, Pohamba urged Namibians to emulate the good example of the heroes and heroines of Namibia resting at Heroes’ Acre and those lying in unmarked graves across the world.
“We must all become foot soldiers in the struggle against poverty and underdevelopment, corruption and violence against women and children,” he said.
The President added that Namibians should join hands to intensify and advance the struggle for economic emancipation and empowerment for all citizens.
Pohamba also used the occasion to urge Namibians to embrace the values of tolerance, mutual respect, hard work and unity.
“Namibia has been peaceful and stable for the past 24 years. This is not something we should take for granted. Let us jealously guard our peace and stability,” he said.
Since independence in 1990, Namibia has remained a beacon of democracy and respect for fundamental human rights, Pohamba told the audience in his live-televised address.
“We should also be proud that Namibia practises the orderly transfer of power in keeping with the provisions of the supreme law of the land,” he said.
With the upcoming national elections a mere three months away, Pohamba seized the occasion to urge Namibians to flock to the polling stations to exercise their democratic right of voting for leaders of their choice.
“I appeal to one and all that our election takes place in a peaceful environment,” he said.
President Pohamba is serving his last term in office and will not contest the presidential election slated for November.