By Michael Liswaniso OPUWO Even though the official commemoration of Cassinga day was on Friday last week, May 04, the day was commemorated on Saturday, May 05 at Opuwo. The gathering was addressed by the deputy minister of labour and social welfare, Peter Iilonga. He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Angelika Muharukua. The duo was welcomed by the residents of the town, prominently Swapo Party supporters in full Swapo regalia. Opuwo’s first mayor Rex Tsheehama made the welcoming remarks, in which he bemoaned the absence of regional councillors at the event. “It is really disappointing. How do they want to be informed if the day is already on the national calendar? Our children need to know about this day,” moaned Tsheehama. Muharukua, who also briefly addressed the gathering, thanked the people for coming to the sports complex to mark the day. She also promised to foot the bill of the hired audio equipment that was used at the complex. Iilonga, who delivered the keynote address, translated his own English speech on the spot into Oshiwambo, while Swapo Party’s district mobilizer of the town, Herunga Wahekua, translated into Otjiherero. Iilonga said this year marked the 29th anniversary of the Cassinga massacre in which about 600 men, women and children were killed in cold blood by the then racist South African troops. He said even though many years have passed, residents should always pay homage to the victims of that fateful day, as well as other compatriots who scarified their lives for the independence of this country. The deputy minister called upon residents and leaders of the region to implement the manifesto of SwapoParty irrespective of their political affiliation. “The government ruling today in our country is not a government of national unity; it is a government of Swapo Party that was mandated through an overwhelming majority, voted by the Namibian people, to rule this country.” A moment of silence was observed in honour of all who perished at Cassinga in southern Angola. Those attending the rally took off their hats and the ‘hat’-loving Iilonga was the first to lift his. He repeatedly said the road to freedom and national independence was not “rosy” but full of challenges, adding that today the government will continue to build a strong foundation and put focus on efficient self-delivery to the people. Iilonga diverted a little bit from his speech to appeal to residents to desist from destructive practices such as killing one another in an independent state, domestic violence, robbery, fraud and theft, among other vices. “Though there is this destruction of state and community property, together in unity we will defeat all the evils in the same vigour and determination as we fought the enemy. We are also called on to fight corruption in our country, be it in government or in the private sector,” he noted. He added that there is still an enemy that is killing people unnecessarily – HIV/AIDS. “Let me warn all of us here today, especially the young, that AIDS is killing people. As respectful citizens of this country, we should all be goodwill ambassadors in fighting this killer disease.” He called upon parents to talk to and educate children about this terrible disease before concluding his assignment. About 200 people pitched up for the event. A local band by the name “Weekend” and the Katutura entertainment group spiced up the occasion.