Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) celebrated its 32nd anniversary today at the army headquarters in Grootfontein.
The Namibian Defence Force came into existence on 2 June 1990 immediately after the independence of Namibia following the protracted and fiercest battles between PLAN and SWATF.
Giving a keynote address at the event, Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, noted that since its establishment the NDF has grown tremendously but shared that much more needs to be done on the force’s journey towards being a modernised and fully professionalised world class force on the back of unpredictable threats rising internationally.
The rest of the speech is as follows:
“It is my privilege and singular honour to address you today on this special occasion which marks the 32nd Anniversary of the Namibian Defence Force with the theme “Continues Preparation through Commitment and Dedication.”
It is also my great pleasure to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation to our esteemed invited guests, for taking time from your tight schedules to be with us on this glorious day in the events calendar of the Namibian Defence Force.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
The Namibian Defence Force came into existence on the 2nd June 1990 immediately after the independence of the Republic of Namibia following the protracted and fiercest battles between PLAN and SWATF.
The 2nd of June is a special day for all the Namibians because, on this day in 1990, the two former adversaries who fought each other for years were seamlessly integrated into a single component to form the nucleus and pioneers of the Namibian Defence Force with the constitutional mandate to defend the territory and national interests of the Republic of Namibia.
The successful integration of these formally warring parties into a unified Defence Force with the common mission was with no doubt a challenging undertaking.
Thus, this day is important as it allows us to reflect on how far we have come since the establishment of the Defence Force, as well as to honour the selfless efforts and sacrifices of the men and women of the Defence Forces in safeguarding the gains of independence, country’s national interests and commitment towards the international peace and security.
In the same vein, the day affords us also an opportunity to pay special tribute to our colleagues who have sadly lost their lives over the years in the execution of their duties and other causes.
As we celebrate this day, it is of paramount importance for us to pause and look back on the illustrious accomplishments of the Namibian Defence Force over the last 32 years. As the Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, I am delighted by the excellent service the men and women in uniform continue to render to the nation in fulfilling our international, regional and national obligations.
I am equally pleased to state that a lot has been achieved since the establishment of the Namibian Defence Force. In this regard, allow me to appreciate all my predecessors for their outstanding stewardship over the years.
Structurally, the Defence Force had grown from mere two Infantry Battalions in 1990 to three Services consisting of the Army, Air Force and Navy and other Independent Formations and Units which is a significant achievement.
On Peace Support Operations, notable accomplishments include, but are not limited to the deployment of the first Namibian Peace Support Operations contingent to Cambodia in 1992, and the subsequent participation in the United Nations, African Union and/or SADC missions in Angola, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kosovo, Sudan (Khartoum), Eritrea, South Sudan, Lesotho and Mozambique.
Ladies and Gentlemen
At present, there are a number of Staff Officers and Military Observers deployed to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei as well as the SADC Mission in Mozambique.
Additionally, the Namibian Defence Force continues to play a crucial role in maintaining cordial relations with other Defence Forces by attending to multilateral and bilateral commitments.
To date, a large number of Defence Attachés are accredited to the Republic of Namibia to promote cooperation in the field of military relations, security and defence.
Likewise, the Namibian Defence Force has deployed a number of Defence Attaches to countries and organizations with which Namibia has significant defence relations to foster strategic partnership and cooperation. This reflects our commitments and efforts toward world peace and security.
On the home front, members of the Namibian Defence Force continue to provide Aid to Civil Authorities and Civil Powers by combating poaching threats in National Game Parks and assisting the Namibian Police in crime prevention.
The Defence Force also assist in drought relief efforts, curbing of COVID-19 pandemic, containment of migratory locusts and helping in fighting veld fires in affected regions. For this, I commend you all for your outstanding commitment and dedication in discharging these national duties.
Ladies and Gentlemen
In our quest to professionalise and develop the human resources capacity in the Force, it is worth noting that various NDF Training Institutions were established where members undergo training at various levels including Senior Command and Staff Course while others pursue academic studies at different institutions of higher learning both locally and abroad.
Furthermore, despite limited resources, some tremendous strides were made in the procurement of defence material, equipment, properties, goods, and services as well as the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructures at various military bases.
On gender issues, it is inspiring to note that the NDF has made significant progress over the years on gender mainstreaming with 23% female representation which is ranked as one of the highest in the Defence Forces in the SADC region.
However, there is still work to be done to accelerate gender parity. In this regard, the Defence Force will continue to advance gender mainstreaming through the policies and structures to ensure that everyone has an equal and fair opportunity for progress.
Men and women of the Namibian Defence Force,
As we mark the NDF day, I can boldly state that your contributions to the Defence Force’s proud history and achievements both locally and internationally have won us recognition and brought honour to the country and the Namibian Defence Force in particular. Thus, I commend you all for continuing to serve our beloved country with distinct honour.
While reflecting on the Defence Force’s distinguished achievements much more needs to be done on our journey towards a modernised and fully professionalised world class force.
As you may be aware, the global, continental, regional and domestic security and risk environments are characterised by a variety of complex, evolving, interdependent and partially unpredictable threats and risks.
These threats require that the Namibian Defence Force possess appropriate capabilities in order to adapt to the volatile and unpredictable security environment.
The theme for this year’s Namibian Defence Force Anniversary is therefore most relevant in this ever-changing security landscape, as it emphasises the need for the Defence Force to be prepared and ready at all times for the evolving and dynamic security threats.
In this regard, I would like to quote Hon. Frans Kapofi, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Member of Parliament, who said: “The requirements for Namibia to have a compact but robust defence and security system that can provide all round defence for its entire territorial land mass, airspace and waters is consequently important today more than ever before. (Unquote). Thus, we must continuously develop and maintain preparedness and readiness at all times.”
Furthermore, going forward, I urge you all to improve the professional standards and discipline in delivering our assigned roles and functions. That said, be reminded of the adage that “only disciplined forces can win wars and succeed in military campaigns”.
Similarly, let me reiterate that the Namibian Defence Force is an apolitical institution that is above partisan politics. Therefore, you are cautioned to refrain from the growing trend of involving yourselves in partisan politics as culprits would be dealt with as prescribed in the Defence Act.
In this regard, my clarion call to all of us is to remain committed to the mandate of the Defence Force and focus on the core values of patriotism, dedication, integrity and teamwork.
This will go a long way in ensuring that “we remain the exemplars of bravery, the defenders of sovereignty and the guardians of peace and stability of the Republic of Namibia” as said by His Excellency, Dr Hage G Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia and Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I want to conclude by paying tribute to our departed colleagues who lost their lives due to various reasons including the victims of the terrible COVID-19 pandemic. As I send my heartfelt condolences, may their souls rest in eternal peace.
Finally, let me once again acknowledge the exceptional service the men and women in uniform continue to render in guaranteeing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our beloved country.
Happy 32nd Anniversary to the Namibian Defence Force!
I thank you.”
