A veteran of Namibia’s war for liberation is content with the peace, freedom and tangible developments Namibians enjoy, and reminded citizens that the struggle was not easy.
Isai Shuumbilafuka Hainghumbi said he joined the liberation struggle in 1979 in Angola to fight for independence, and later went for training at the Tobias Hainyeko centre in Lubango.
After completing their training, Hainghumbi and many Swapo members were sent to Tanzania to be trained as police officers at the Moshi Police Academy.
In an interview with New Era, the 66-year-old said it was never easy to fight for the independence of this country because during the liberation struggle, they went through lots of challenges as some sacrificed their lives so that the country could be free.
“Today, we managed to bring peace to this country because the aim was peace and freedom when we fought,” he added.
Hainghumbi stressed that he is grateful and glad that Namibia is now a democratic country with its own constitution.
“I appreciate peace in the country. We have development in the country, and there is sufficient protection, compared to colonial times,” he added.
He further emphasised that Namibia has brought free education, and all learners have the right to go to school.
“Namibia did well when it comes to health because we have big State hospitals in the northern regions that cater to the public, and we also have clinics in villages,” he observed.
Hainghumbi said before independence, there was no development such as proper roads and infrastructure, but Namibia has now successfully built these countrywide.
“Let’s celebrate our independence in peace and respect the day of 21 March because it is indeed a historical day for all Namibians,” he added.
He furthermore urged people to cherish the history of this country, and also to pass it on to the next generations to know more about independence.