Niël Terblanché
President Nangolo Mbumba paid homage to the formidable spirit and sacrifices of the Swapo leadership and members of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), attributing the nation’s freedom, peace, stability, and unity to their valiant and unwavering efforts.
President Mbumba, during his Independence Day address in Katima Mulilo, reflected on the significance of independence and said it is the cornerstone of dignity and humanity.
He also paid homage to the efforts of heroes from the Zambezi Region and beyond in securing Namibia’s liberation on March 21, 1990.
The President, however, said that this year’s celebrations are tinged with sorrow, as the nation recently mourned the loss of its third President, Dr Hage Geingob.
Remembering him as a beloved nation-builder and a people’s president, Mbumba highlighted the enduring legacy of President Geingob’s service and his vision for Namibia’s unity and peace.
President Mbumba seized the opportunity to reflect on the value of freedom and the contributions of the Zambezi region’s inhabitants to the liberation struggle.
He recounted the harrowing times when Namibians, in pursuit of freedom, faced the brutalities of the apartheid regime, stressing the region’s pivotal role in the resistance against colonial rule.
Despite challenges such as drought, economic downturns, and the COVID-19 pandemic, President Mbumba lauded the nation’s resilience, rooted in the principles of law, transparency, and accountability.
He urged Namibians to draw inspiration from President Geingob’s legacy to preserve the peace, unity, and stability that form the bedrock of the nation’s democracy.
As Namibia navigates an election year, President Mbumba called for peaceful, credible, and fair elections, stressing the collective responsibility to maintain the country’s status as a bastion of peace and stability.
The president also outlined significant developments set to drive economic revival.
He said oil and gas discoveries, green hydrogen investments, and a N$100 billion budget aimed at job creation and development will pull Namibia into an age of prosperity.
With regard to the Zambezi Region, the president highlighted government initiatives promoting economic growth through infrastructure development, electrification projects, and upgrades to transportation networks.
He announced an N$8 million investment to revive the Kalimbeza National Rice project and the establishment of a sugar plantation and processing plant in Katima Mulilo, promising enhanced economic prospects and job opportunities for the region.
President Mbumba called on all Namibians to cherish and build upon the legacy of democracy, peace, and unity handed down by the nation’s forebearers.
He told members of the community in attendance at the Independence Day celebrations that he envisions a future where the Namibian House stands as a symbol of hope, joy, and prosperity.
