President Hage Geingob on Tuesday called on Namibians to reject any efforts to divide them based on tribal, ethnic, racial, gender or religious differences.
“As a government committed to the improvement of the social welfare of Namibians, we will always strive to protect the fundamental rights of all and ensure that we all follow in the spirit of One Namibia, One Nation,” said Geingob during the independence celebrations in Outapi.
He said Namibians live in an ever-changing world with numerous challenges as well as opportunities and they should therefore, remain vigilant in order to circumvent the various obstacles that are ahead of them while navigating their course towards prosperity and a better life for all.
He also urged the nation to take courage from the recent successes in curbing the onslaught of Covid-19 and adopt the tried and tested principles of unity and teamwork which have enabled them to prevail against all odds.
“On this 33rd Independence Day, we are encouraged by the fact that we have made tremendous strides as a people and as a nation, enjoying peace and stability and development. With each step we take, we get closer to the realisation of our collective dreams and aspirations,” he said.
In addition, the Head of Stated urged Namibians to never forget those who paid the ultimate price.
“Indeed, as we commemorate this historic day, we pay tribute to those brave men and women who took it upon themselves to secure our independence from the clutches of tyranny and colonial oppression,” he said.
He thanked the gallant sons and daughters; from combatants to clergy, from teachers to students, from business people to workers, from athletes to artists, from young to old, from those who were in exile to those who were at the home front.
These freedom fighters, some of whom sacrificed their lives, he said, all played an instrumental role in the struggle and thereby ensured that Namibians obtained independence and sovereignty, thus, their unwavering determination changed the destiny of the Namibian people.
“The declaration of our independence is written in the blood of our brave daughters and gallant sons,” he said.
The independence celebration was attended by more than 3 000 public figures and thousands of members of the public.
SOURCE: NAMPA