OSHAKATI – Swapo turning 55 years symbolizes the resilience and tenacity of those who surrendered themselves to the struggle even when the struggle was bitter, said former Namibian president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
He was speaking at the party’s 55th anniversary celebration at the jam-packed Oshakati Independence Stadium yesterday, when thousands of Swapo supporters and sympathizers gathered for the celebration.
Pohamba requested the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe to lead the crowd in singing a birthday song.
Pohamba also led the crowd in observing a moment of silence to pay homage to the heroes and heroines who fought against colonial oppression.
“We remember our heroes and heroines. For those who are alive, your sacrifices, your blood, your tears were not in vain,” said Pohamba.
He said that while celebrating a milestone of 55 years Swapo supporters and sympathisers should focus their energy on strengthening intra-party bonds, the administration machinery, further building the party structures and mobilizing more people to join the party.
Pohamba denounced claims that the government has done nothing for its people and requested those at the helm of the allegations “to stand corrected”.
“Swapo is there for the Namibian people and for its development. Those who cannot see what the Swapo government has done should move close and touch,” said Pohamba.
Pohamba also took time to sing praises to liberation icons for their immense contribution in pre- and post-independence. Those of whom Pohamba keenly spoke about includes Nujoma, current president Dr Hage Geingob, and retired politicians such as former prime minister, former defence and former education minister Nahas Angula, liberation icon and former Robben Island prisoner Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and former MP and liberation war veteran Ben Amadhila.
Pohamba called on the surviving heroes and heroines to write down their history and experiences so that future generations can see what they left behind.
Oshakati was chosen as the venue for this year’s celebration marking the 1963 visit to educate the north about the evils of Bantustanism and their right to fight for their liberation.
The 1963 visit was spearheaded by Amadhila and Ya Toivo.
The Owambo People’s Organisation (OPO) was formed in 1959 and became Swapo in 1960.