PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah issued a stark warning about deepening divisions threatening Namibia’s social fabric, declaring the nation risks “self-destruction” if citizens don’t unite for the common good during Monday’s 59th Heroes Day commemoration.
In her first Heroes Day address as head of state, President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed deep concern about discord across Namibian society, from families to political institutions.
“As your leader, your President, I am very much concerned that if we are not changing, as a nation, we are on a crusade for self-destruction,” she told crowds gathered in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region. “We are failing to lift each other up and push forward together for the common good for all in society.”
The president specifically criticised widespread conflict across multiple sectors. “It troubles me deeply that we are too much at each other’s throats in all institutions of our society, be it in families, traditional authorities, religious institutions and politics. We are all one.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah appealed directly to leaders across the political spectrum to bridge divides that threaten national cohesion. She called upon all leaders “at every level and across the entire political divide, traditional, religious, community, business and civic to renew their commitment to the maintenance of peace, justice and sustainable development.”
The president emphasised the critical importance of trust in maintaining democracy. “Trust is the heart of our democracy; without it, despair can breed actions that threaten the very fabric of our society.”
Urging citizens to resolve conflicts peacefully, she said: “I urge citizens to resolve our differences with respect, tolerance, and sensitivity by peaceful means and not resort to violence.”
Historic Commemoration Without Founding Father
The unity plea came during a historically significant ceremony – Namibia’s first Heroes Day observed without founding president Sam Nujoma, who passed away earlier this year. President Nandi-Ndaitwah opened with a moment of silence for the man she described as “the Commander-In-Chief of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), Leader of our Revolution, Founding President and Father of the Nation.”
“This is the first time in our history marking the Heroes Day, 26 August, without His Excellency Comrade Dr. Shafiishuna Sam Daniel Nujoma,” she said. “His seat is now empty forever.”
The ceremony, themed “Built on bravery, bound for a prosperous future,” took place in Katima Mulilo, which the president noted as “the birthplace of our hero Brenden Simbwaye” and other liberation figures.
Peace Preservation Amid Global Conflicts
Drawing parallels to current international conflicts, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the precious nature of Namibia’s peace, urging citizens to learn from global turmoil visible in media coverage.
“Today, you are witnessing/seeing the impact of wars on our television sets, on social and print media, the suffering, destruction, and killings in many parts of the world,” she said. “War is the worst situation to live in; it mostly negatively affects innocent victims in society, particularly women and children. As a nation, we must preserve our peace at all costs.”
She appealed particularly to those without direct experience of Namibia’s liberation struggle: “For those who have not seen or have no knowledge of what it took to liberate our country, I appeal to you, treasure the peace, liberty and justice we are able to enjoy today, for it was paid for in blood and through untold sacrifices.”
The president highlighted positive examples of unity, specifically praising traditional leaders in the Zambezi region. “I am highly encouraged by the four Traditional Authorities in the Zambezi region when I see all of them together attending each other’s events,” she said, citing their attendance at various cultural celebrations. “If our leaders are united, why not us, their subjects. Let us follow their good example.”
Anti-Corruption and Economic Development
Beyond unity appeals, President Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined her administration’s priorities, taking a firm anti-corruption stance. “I have said it before and will say it again, corruption is the betrayal of trust, as it takes away resources meant for the people. Corruption must therefore be treated as treason.”
She announced the forthcoming Youth Development Fund while cautioning implementers to “consider the projects that make economic sense and not those presented by the people you know, even if you can see the project is not viable.”
The president emphasised her government’s commitment to “empowering the youth in our country, advancing industrialisation, promoting the beneficiation of our natural resources, creating employment opportunities, and intensifying our fight against corruption.”
Despite challenges, President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted infrastructure development since independence, noting, “Development is a process, just imagine, at independence, it was not easy to reach Katima Mulilo. Today, from the border with South Africa to Katima Mulilo, you are on a tarred road.”
Memorial Announcement and International Recognition
The president announced the recent death of Lieutenant General Salomon Dumeni Hawala, “one of our liberation heroes,” who will be buried as a national hero on September 6, 2025.
She also expressed gratitude to international allies during the liberation struggle, specifically thanking “the resilient people of Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, Cuba, and many others in Africa and beyond.”
The ceremony concluded with President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rallying cry for national unity: “Let us build a Namibia that reflects their dreams of inclusivity, equity, and prosperity for all as their blood waters our freedom. One Namibia! One Nation!”
