Nandi-Ndaitwah leads Heroes Day commemoration at Katima

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will today lead the nation in commemorating Heroes Day at the Katima Mulilo Sports Complex in the Zambezi region.The annual remembrance will honour the men and women who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle, with thousands expected to attend.According to the official programme, the commemoration will begin early with the arrival of dignitaries, traditional leaders, veterans of the liberation struggle and government officials.ArrivalsThe sequence of arrivals is expected to reflect the day’s solemnity and national stature: traditional leaders will be welcomed at 08:20, followed by veterans of the liberation struggle at 08:30, local and regional authority councillors at 08:50, and mayors at 08:55.From 09:10 onwards, a procession of senior leaders will follow, beginning with Matengu Simushi, chairperson of the Zambezi Regional Council, regional governors and Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula.Members of the diplomatic corps, service chiefs, executive directors, and parliament will arrive in sequence, culminating with the entry of Cabinet ministers, official opposition leader Immanuel Nashinge, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa, Deputy Prime Minister Natangwe Ithete, National Council chairperson Lukas Muha, Chief Justice Peter Shivute, Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, and finally President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will be accompanied by the First Gentleman, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah.ProceedingsThe ceremonial proceedings will include the national and AU anthems, a 21-gun salute, an inspection of the parade, and a minute of silence in remembrance of the fallen.Pastor Elias Tembwe of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will deliver the scripture reading and prayer. Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula will deliver the welcoming remarks, followed by cultural performances from the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and other groups.Vice President Lucia Witbooi will introduce the keynote speaker, followed by Nandi-Ndaitwah's main address.She is expected to pay tribute to Namibia’s heroes and heroines, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made for freedom, while calling for unity, peace, and nation-building.Today's commemoration carries added weight as it will be Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first Heroes Day as Namibia’s president – and the first for a woman to hold the office of head of state in the country’s history.Her presence in Katima Mulilo will symbolise both continuity and change: continuity in honouring the liberation legacy, and change in the sense that Namibia is entering a new era of leadership.Crucial roleHeroes Day has been officially commemorated since 1990 and is rotated across the regions each year, ensuring that all parts of the country share in the remembrance of the liberation struggle.Last year, the 2024 commemoration was held in Eenhana, Ohangwena region, drawing thousands to the north.The choice of Katima Mulilo this year places the focus on the Zambezi region, a frontier that played a crucial role during the liberation struggle and remains a space of both pride and political contestation today.Beyond the ceremony, the day is likely to stir deeper reflection across the nation.While Heroes Day remains a moment of pride and remembrance, many Namibians also grapple with whether the hopes of the liberation generation – for justice, dignity, and prosperity – have been fully realised.Against this backdrop, the commemoration will not only honour the fallen but also challenge the living to carry forward their unfinished dream.

Nandi-Ndaitwah leads Heroes Day commemoration at Katima

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-26

Please login to leave a comment

Nandi-Ndaitwah leads Heroes Day commemoration at Katima

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-26

Please login to leave a comment

Login