Maria David
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed deep concern about the pervasive conflicts faced by society, saying that Namibians are too much at each other’s throats.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made these remarks during the 35th Heroes Day celebrations in Katima Mulilo earlier today.
Nandi-Ndaitwah called for greater unity and harmony.
“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,” she said.
She then urged Namibians to resolve their differences with respect, tolerance, and sensitivity by peaceful means and not resort to violence.
The President indicated that for those who have not seen or have no knowledge of what it took to liberate the country, she appealed to them to treasure the peace, liberty, and justice that they are able to enjoy today, for it was paid for in blood and through untold sacrifices.
She explained that wars and their devastating effects are a constant presence in modern media, with the suffering, destruction, and killings being widely reported on television, social media, and in print.
“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 added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that indeed, the struggle was long and bitter.
She emphasised that many people were displaced, some forced into exile, precious lives lost, and some people left disabled, while others carried the scars of the war — physical, mental, and psychological.
Yet, she said the resolve of the people could not be extinguished. Today, the country is free and independent, and the present and future are in one’s own hands.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia has indeed come of age.
“Since independence, under the guidance of the SWAPO Party, we have made remarkable strides in socio-economic development, transforming lives and building a foundation for prosperity,” she said.
She noted that development is a process. “Just imagine, at independence, it was not easy to reach Katima Mulilo.”
“As we look to the future, our resolve must be to protect our hard-won political freedom, while recognising that the battle to gain economic independence and prosperity for all has not yet been won,” she said.
The President said the struggle to uplift the living conditions of all the people requires collective commitment to overcome the vagaries of poverty, hunger, unemployment, gender-based violence, and drug and alcohol abuse.
She stressed that it requires them to fight the evils of abuse of power, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources. With the natural resources at their disposal, they must make a commitment to ensure that every Namibian is living a decent life.
Nandi-Ndaitwah then indicated that the government will be on the side of those leading the charge against corruption in all its manifestations that threaten development.
