Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to uphold unity and protect the country’s independence.
Speaking at the 48th commemoration of the Cassinga massacre in Outapi on Monday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the attack exposed the brutality of apartheid South Africa and strengthened Namibia’s fight for freedom.
“Hundreds of innocent Namibians, mostly women and children, were killed in cold blood,” she said.
She said the commemoration, held under the theme “48 years of Honour and Sacrifice Inspiring the Future”, reminds the country of its duty to defend independence and ensure national resources benefit future generations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to founding president Sam Nujoma and called for unity across the country.
“As a nation, we need to rise above regionalism, ethnicity, tribalism, and gender and embrace unity of purpose,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She also spoke about government priorities such as youth development, education, infrastructure and decentralisation.
She acknowledged challenges including poverty, inequality and unemployment.
Nandi-Ndaitwah warned against corruption, nepotism and favouritism, saying these weaken development and service delivery.
Meanwhile, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) said Cassinga Day should not be used for political purposes.
“Cassinga Day belongs to every Namibian. It is not the property of any political party. It is not a campaign platform,” the party said.
The party said using the day for political interests takes away from its meaning.
“When the fallen are invoked only to serve the interests of one organisation, we diminish their sacrifice. The men and women who perished at Cassinga did not die for a party; they died for Namibia,” the statement read.
The IPC called for the day to remain inclusive.
“We call on all Namibians to reclaim Cassinga Day as a national day of inclusive remembrance, where every Namibian feels welcome to grieve, celebrate courage, and recommit to the values of freedom, dignity, and unity,” the party said.
The party also honoured victims, including Nashilongo Israel Taapopi.
“He was young. He was brave. He was Namibian. We honour him today, and we honour all those who perished alongside him,” the statement said.
The IPC said Namibia’s independence came through sacrifice and called for unity.
“Cassinga is not a wound to be reopened every May for political advantage; it is proof that our freedom came at a cost that demands we do better by each other,” the party said.
Cassinga Day remains one of Namibia’s key national events, honouring victims of the 1978 attack.
During the event, Omusati Regional Council chairperson Megameno Iilende said Swapo helped ensure the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe performed.
“We thank the Swapo party for making sure that the band was here. The Swapo party secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, and the speaker of parliament with our businesspersons made sure that the band did not go back to Windhoek after their performances in Opuwo,” he said.
Iilende also encouraged people to join Swapo during his remarks.
The presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe at national events has drawn criticism in the past.
Some opposition parties and citizens say the group is linked to Swapo and does not represent all Namibians.
Critics have raised concerns that national events funded by taxpayers should not promote any political party.
They have called for more diverse performances that reflect national unity.
