Kamupupu village: Member of Parliament and SWAPO Party Central Committee member, Austin Samupwa, has called for the spirit of Cassinga to guide the nation, emphasizing that commemoration must not be reduced to a mere ritual but should demand responsibility from both leaders and citizens. Speaking at the 48th Cassinga Day commemoration at Kamupupu Village in the Tondoro Constituency of Kavango West, Samupwa urged Namibians to turn remembrance into concrete action.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Samupwa cautioned against symbolic ceremonies that fail to address poverty, inequality, and poor service delivery. He stressed the importance of commemoration as a call for responsibility, urging leaders to reflect on how they honor the sacrifices of the fallen through their conduct in leadership and service. He reminded attendees that the victims of Cassinga did not die for a divided nation, but for a united Namibia.

Samupwa outlined key responsibilities flowing from remembrance, including promoting unity across regions and tribes, taking deliberate action against poverty and unemployment, protecting and maintaining public infrastructure, and providing moral guidance to the youth. He emphasized that freedom was attained at great cost and must be safeguarded through efforts to eradicate hunger, ignorance, disease, and inequality.

Addressing mostly young people, Samupwa warned against social ills such as substance abuse, crime, and vandalism. He urged the youth to protect schools, water points, and roads, and to channel their energy into productive activities. "Use the freedom to build, not to destroy," he stated.

Samupwa also criticized factionalism within party structures, noting that divisions during election periods undermine the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. He urged SWAPO members to prioritize unity and service over personal or tribal interests. Furthermore, he encouraged community members to submit their concerns through formal channels, noting that he had observed a letter addressed to the Prime Minister among submissions, and called for urgent follow-up on service delivery challenges in Kamupupu.

In conclusion, Samupwa called for a renewed national commitment to justice and equality, urging attendees to pledge unity and patriotism in honor of those who died at Cassinga.