Eba Kandovazu
NAMIBIA’s Independence Day celebrations will be hosted by the Erongo Region at the coast, the Windhoek Observer can exclusively reveal.
The Executive Director in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, Mbeuta Ua- Ndjarakana says that the government is yet to decide between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Namibia will turn 32 years on 21 March, having gained its independence on the same date in 1990. This year’s independence will be celebrated under the theme “A People United For Prosperity”, he said.
Although the Office of the Prime Minister earlier this week said that a total N$2.5 million has been allocated for the Independence Day celebrations, Ua- Ndjarakana said that his ministry has officially not been informed.
“We do not have the money yet. We are preparing at the moment but not with any funds. We are also not sure whether or not we will have international delegates as of yet. In any event, it is our celebration and it does not really matter,” Ua-Ndjarakana stated.
According to him, about 500 people are expected to be in attendance, in accordance with the COVID-19 regulations.
Ua-Ndjarakana also emphasized that with a decline in COVID-19 cases in the country, Namibians cannot afford to not celebrate Independence Day, contrary to critics who say President Geingob should, like last year, only invite a few delegates at State House to celebrate Namibia’s independence anniversary.
“The same people who are saying Independence Day should not be celebrated are the same people who celebrate their birthdays with their loved ones by throwing parties. Of course the celebrations will see a smaller number of attendees compared to other years because of COVID-19. We cannot expect the President to stop the celebrations. We are celebrating the fact that we are independent. Our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for us and we need to remember that, We are a free nation and no one in their right mind should say we should not celebrate. Even with our shortcomings, we have a lot to celebrate as Namibians,” Ua- Ndjarakana maintained.
