By Mary Mashete
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, led Namibia’s 35th Heroes Day commemoration in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, urging unity, peace, and anti-corruption efforts as the nation honoured fallen heroes.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered her first Heroes Day keynote address as Head of State, reminding Namibians that the freedoms enjoyed today were paid for through blood and sacrifice.
“This is the first time in our history marking Heroes Day without our Founding President, Dr. Sam Nujoma. His seat is empty forever, but his legacy must guide us,” she said, calling for a moment of silence.
The Head of State praised the sacrifices of liberation icons such as Brendan Simbwaye, Tobias Hainyeko, and Greenwell Matongo, announcing that government would designate symbolic graves at Heroes Acre in their honour.
Reflecting on the theme, “Built on bravery, bound for a prosperous future,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the need for unity across political, traditional, and religious divides. “We are too much at each other’s throats… It troubles me deeply,” she cautioned, urging citizens to resolve differences peacefully.
She further underlined the fight against corruption, declaring: “Corruption is the betrayal of trust. It must be treated as treason. We are too few to be poor, and with one heart and one mind, we can make Namibia a best place for all.”
On development, she noted progress since independence, citing improved roads, schools, and health services, while reaffirming her administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, industrialisation, and job creation. She announced the imminent rollout of the Youth Development Fund, urging beneficiaries to use resources responsibly.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also recognised the solidarity of neighbouring countries during Namibia’s liberation struggle, particularly Zambia, Botswana, Angola, and Cuba. “Their contributions must remain a cherished chapter in our history,” she said.
She closed with a tribute to late Lieutenant General Salomon Dumeni Hawala, a liberation hero and former Defence Force Chief, who will be laid to rest with national honours on 6 September 2025.
As Namibia marked 59 years since the start of its armed struggle, President Nandi-Ndaitwah called on all citizens to safeguard peace, fight corruption, and unite in pursuit of prosperity, declaring: “One Namibia! One Nation!”
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