The struggle for the economic emancipation of Namibians requires new heroes and heroines, and this is the time for them to step forward to the challenge, President Hage Geingob has said.
Geingob who was speaking at the Heroes Day celebrations in Mariental on Friday highlighted that just as the liberation struggle was long and bitter, the economic struggle will also be long and bitter, but victory is certain.
“Today, as we face economic challenges, let us not despair and give into a sense of hopelessness. More than ever, this is the time to redouble our efforts to tangibly tackle these challenges head on, until we are able to free our nation from the grip of economic oppression.
“Ultimately, we will determine whether we succeed or fail and in honour of our fallen heroes, failure can never be an option. Therefore, as we commemorate Heroes Day, let us tap into the spirit of those who stood up against colonial oppression, let us emulate their zeal, their patriotism, their bravery and unwavering determination, so that we redouble our efforts and continue the march towards building a Namibia that will stand strong, a Namibia that is united, a Namibia that is peaceful and a Namibia that is prosperous for years to come. Let us dare to be brave, let us dare to dream and let us dare to ascend to greater heights,” Geingob said.
Geingob went on to say that Namibia’s independence and subsequent liberty, unity and justice are not cheap. Therefore, it should not be taken for granted, Geingob said further noting that the democracy Namibians enjoy today was secured at a high cost.
“It was paid for in blood, the blood of fearless compatriots who left an indelible mark on the sovereign soil of our nation. It is for this reason that we say that their blood waters our freedom. It is not a catchphrase or slogan but a poignant reminder that the freedom we enjoy today came at the expense of thousands of lives. Although we can stand proudly here today as a sovereign and independent nation, let us remember that if history and current international events have taught us one thing, it is that national sovereignty is not guaranteed.
“As I often warn, it is easy to destroy but not easy to rebuild. Peace is a wonderful gift but is a fragile one as well. Therefore, for us to maintain peace and unity in our independent Namibia, it requires each one of us to bury the hatchets, banish grudges and don the garments of blue, green, red, white and yellow. These are the colours of our flag, these are the colours of our Namibian House and these are the only colours that should matter to the free and liberated people of Namibia,” he said.
Addressing the nation further, Geingob encouraged Namibians to appreciate that Namibia’s successful struggle for freedom was achieved through the holding of hands by like-minded patriots, who understood the value of independence and cherished it above everything else.
“They originated from all 14 regions of this country, crossing the barriers of the Apartheid imposed tribal Bantustans and uniting as one people against oppression. These brave sons and daughters never surrendered or wavered. Today, let us invoke the indomitable spirit of these valiant heroes by committing to safeguard the freedoms for which they fought and died for. Let us commit never to return to the mentality of homelands or Bantustans. Let us realize that we are all one people and as the great Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah stated, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
“Thus, the best way we can honour our heroes and pay homage to their immense sacrifices for Namibia’s freedom is to inculcate within our society the intrinsic forces that buttress our unity and to purge out the foreign superimposed influences that keep us apart. Due to the blood that was spilled, we can never return to tribal Bantustan ideologies. Due to the lives that were lost, we can never again allow the specter of Apartheid to infiltrate our society. Due to the sacrifices made, we must relentlessly guard our sovereignty and independence,” noted Geingob.
He went on to say: “Over the past several years, this nation has faced many challenges. Independent intervening variables such as the global commodity crisis, currency fluctuations, recurrent droughts that were amongst the worst in recent history, have all played a role in placing our economy under enormous pressure. Furthermore, at a time that things seemed to be on the mend, we were visited by Covid-19, an unwelcome and devastating guest.
“Those who fought for the independence of Namibia have laid a solid foundation of unity and sacrifice. The onus lies with us to continue the march were they left off, to fulfill the ideals, which spurred them to patriotic action. We must realize that it is only the Namibian people who can usher in the dawn of economic liberation.”