Katima mulilo: Many people sacrificed their lives for Namibia’s liberation, Minister of Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi said on Tuesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kapofi emphasized the importance of unity and sovereignty during the 35th Heroes’ Day commemoration at Katima Mulilo. He urged Namibians to maintain the unity that sustained their struggle for independence, stating, “We are one united country and we should ensure our sovereignty remains intact. It is the unity that sustained our struggle; let us do everything in our power to maintain it.”

Kapofi reiterated the value of peace, reminding the audience that it is a precious commodity that all Namibians should cherish. He recalled the historic events of 1966 when the first bullet was fired by the South West Africa Liberation Army (SWALA), later known as the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, at Omugulugwombashe. This act, coupled with an attack at the Oshikango border post, marked the determination of the Namibian people to reclaim their country, leading to a prolonged struggle for independence.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the Zambezi Region in the liberation struggle, Kapofi noted that many Namibians, including prominent figures from the region such as Greenwell Matongo, Richard Kapelwa Kabajani, Dr Albert Kawana, Lawrence Sampofu, and Charles Mubita, went into exile to join the fight. He also mentioned the significant 1978 attack on the Mpacha Army Base, which dealt a considerable blow to apartheid South Africa’s forces.

Kapofi concluded by stressing the importance of Heroes Day, which is commemorated to honor those who sacrificed their lives for Namibia’s freedom. The battle at Omugulugwombashe on 26 August 1966 is regarded as the official start of the armed struggle against South African rule, ultimately leading to Namibia’s independence in 1990.