Angula wants focused forces

Defence Minister Nahas Angula has called on members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) to remain focused on the purpose of the Force. Angula made this appeal in his congratulatory message on the 24th anniversary of the NDF. He said the purpose of the NDF is to defend the territory and national interests of Namibia and its people. “The 24th anniversary of the NDF should symbolise the qualities of maturity and professionalism for the growing NDF,” Angula said. “We must continue to build the Force to have the capability of defending Namibia and to contribute to the protection of world peace whenever called upon to do so.” He urged members of the Namibian Army, Air Wing and Navy to rededicate themselves “to the defence of the homeland”. The NDF was established at independence, incorporating former enemies in a 23-year bush war - the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and South West African Territory Force (SWATF). PLAN was the armed wing of Swapo. The British army formulated the force integration plan and began training the NDF, which consists of five battalions and a small headquarters element. The first chief of the NDF was Lt-Gen Dimo Hamaambo, who was replaced by Lt-Gen Solomon Hawala upon his retirement in 2000. Lt-Gen Martin Shalli took over in 2006 until Pohamba suspended him over corruption allegations and his subsequent retirement in 2011. The husband of the country’s foreign affairs minister, Lt-Gen Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, served as Chief of the NDF until December 2013 when Lt-Gen John Mutwa replaced him. WINDHOEK ELVIS MURARANGANDA