Children, young people as well as elders converged on the Olufuko Cultural Centre in Outapi for colourful celebrations to mark Namibia’s 33 years of independence on Tuesday.

People from across the region and surroundings stood along the main roads from Oshakati to Ruacana, Outapi to Omakange as well as Outapi to Okahao waiting to be picked up by buses in order to make it on time for the celebrations, while some were seen walking towards Outapi.

Some of the people that Nampa spoke to said they woke up as early as 03h00 to catch the buses to the venue.

Namibia obtained its independence on 21 March 1990 after a protracted liberation struggle that spanned more than 40 years.

By 07h00, the public tents were full to capacity and people had started filling up the open spaces in the centre. There are five marquee tents.

Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Executive Director Audrin Mathe indicated earlier that they expect the event to be well attended.

He however gave his assurance that they are well prepared and that there is enough food to cater for everyone.

More than 15 000 members of the public and 3 000 public figures were expected to attend the 33rd Independence celebrations which include activities such as a military parade and performances by the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) air force and Ndilimani troupe.

Those in attendance include founding President Sam Nujoma, and Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala could not contain his happiness at the big turnout, saying he had expected fewer people to attend.

Upon his arrival, President Hage Geingob mounted the Dias and the gathering stood up for the singing of the national and AU anthems, which ran concurrently with a 21 gun salute before he proceeded to inspect the parade.

The event will be addressed by President Geingob.

Independence celebrations are held on a rotational basis in various regions and last year the main event took place in the Erongo Region.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency