Impalila naval base renamed in honour of Mutwa
Late defence chief hailed
Defence minister Frans Kapofi said the late defence chief's career exemplified courage, leadership and dedication to national service.
Government officially renamed Naval Base Impalila in the Zambezi Region to Naval Base Lieutenant General John Sinvula Mutwa last week during an event headlined by defence minister Frans Kapofi.
In his address, Kapofi highlighted the historical significance of the base and its transformation into a pivotal asset for regional security and cooperation.
The base features accommodation facilities, a sewage treatment plant, an electricity plant and a floating jetty with a slipway for launching and recovering boats.
Strengthened security
Originally established by the South African Defence Force before Namibia's independence, the base underwent rehabilitation by the Namibian defence ministry.
The base, strategically located in the Impalila community, faced various security challenges before the navy's intervention.
Issues varied from illegal border crossings to unregulated fishing, poaching and other illicit activities.
“These issues prompted the Namibian navy to establish a naval district covering the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango rivers, emphasising the importance of fortifying security in the region,” Kapofi said last week.
Through collaborative initiatives involving the Namibian Police, local authorities and neighbouring countries' law enforcement agencies, the base's operations significantly reduced crime and enhanced safety within the community.
"The improved security has benefitted the local community and strengthened cooperation between neighbouring countries,” Kapofi said.
Dedicated service
Kapofi said the newly renamed Naval Base Lieutenant General John Sinvula Mutwa, stands as a testament to Mutwa's significant contributions to Namibia's defence and security.
Mutwa was born on 23 September 1960, and began serving in the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) before climbing the military ranks and becoming chief of the Defence Force.
Kapofi said Mutwa's career exemplified courage, leadership and dedication to national service.
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In his address, Kapofi highlighted the historical significance of the base and its transformation into a pivotal asset for regional security and cooperation.
The base features accommodation facilities, a sewage treatment plant, an electricity plant and a floating jetty with a slipway for launching and recovering boats.
Strengthened security
Originally established by the South African Defence Force before Namibia's independence, the base underwent rehabilitation by the Namibian defence ministry.
The base, strategically located in the Impalila community, faced various security challenges before the navy's intervention.
Issues varied from illegal border crossings to unregulated fishing, poaching and other illicit activities.
“These issues prompted the Namibian navy to establish a naval district covering the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango rivers, emphasising the importance of fortifying security in the region,” Kapofi said last week.
Through collaborative initiatives involving the Namibian Police, local authorities and neighbouring countries' law enforcement agencies, the base's operations significantly reduced crime and enhanced safety within the community.
"The improved security has benefitted the local community and strengthened cooperation between neighbouring countries,” Kapofi said.
Dedicated service
Kapofi said the newly renamed Naval Base Lieutenant General John Sinvula Mutwa, stands as a testament to Mutwa's significant contributions to Namibia's defence and security.
Mutwa was born on 23 September 1960, and began serving in the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) before climbing the military ranks and becoming chief of the Defence Force.
Kapofi said Mutwa's career exemplified courage, leadership and dedication to national service.
[email protected]
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