Hage: Swapo is for the people
President Hage Geingob spoke passionately about Swapo's legacy and its way forward at the party's 57th birthday celebrations over the weekend.
Nearly 1 000 members of Swapo on Saturday gathered to celebrate the 57th birthday of the party at Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region. Party colours, blue, red and green abounded and Otjiwarongo was painted Swapo over the weekend. The main event was held at the Mokati Sports Stadium.
Several local musicians and the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe entertained the audience with music.
President Hage Geingob, who is also party president, delivered the key message, calling on Namibians to unite and fight economic inequality amongst themselves.
“Our 57th birthday celebration is a celebration for all Namibians because it is the Swapo-Party which delivered the ultimate gift to the people of Namibia, the gift of liberation,” said Geingob.
He said the party has always been a people's organisation since its formation on 19 April 1960.
“Swapo has entrenched itself in the Namibian psyche as the only party that can truly call itself a party of the people. It is a party which is inclusive and welcomes all Namibians.”
Geingob explained that Swapo was founded as a political movement and spearheaded by people who engineered the political liberation of the country from colonial occupation.
He furthermore said Swapo's main objective was to ensure the liberation of the country by means of political, diplomatic and military efforts.
He said during the liberation struggle, the party fought for the interests of all Namibians, adding that it will continue to do so in order to bring about economical emancipation for all.
Geingob quoted legendary Che Guevara of Cuba, “I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves.
“As we move forward, let us be ready to face the challenges that lie ahead of us and let us not face these challenges as individuals or groups,” he said.
He elaborated on the history of the party discussing the contract labour system which led to the formation of the Owambo People's Congress in 1957 in Cape Town by Emile Apollus, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and Andreas Shipanga. At its core, it mandate to was remove the labour system and to get Namibia under United Nations trusteeship.
Swapo was formed on 19 April 1960 and the plight of the Namibian people was brought to the United Nations. After 1966, the armed struggle was taken up when the International Court of Justice, following a technicality, did not rule on the legality of South Africa's occupation of Namibian. On 26 August of that year, the armed struggle was born, Geingob said.
“Swapo fought for the interests of all Namibians and after independence, Swapo continues to fight for the interests of all Namibians.” Speaking on the continuing legacy of the party, Geingob said that times for former liberation movements are difficult.
“We are living in a time when former liberation movements are under attack from all kinds of enemies, both internal and external. It is only unity amongst comrades and cadres that will ensure we continue to evolve as a peoples' movement.”
He continued by saying that although “we face many challenges, no pressure, not strain can wipe away 57 years of milestones, successes and most importantly, camaraderie.”
He highlighted the role played by founding president Sam Nujoma saying it was his inclusiveness and reconciliatory approach which allowed peace to thrive in Namibia.
Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba also thanked founding President Sam Nujoma and former Head of State, Hifikepunye Pohamba for their excellent leadership that brought peace and stability to the country.
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Several local musicians and the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe entertained the audience with music.
President Hage Geingob, who is also party president, delivered the key message, calling on Namibians to unite and fight economic inequality amongst themselves.
“Our 57th birthday celebration is a celebration for all Namibians because it is the Swapo-Party which delivered the ultimate gift to the people of Namibia, the gift of liberation,” said Geingob.
He said the party has always been a people's organisation since its formation on 19 April 1960.
“Swapo has entrenched itself in the Namibian psyche as the only party that can truly call itself a party of the people. It is a party which is inclusive and welcomes all Namibians.”
Geingob explained that Swapo was founded as a political movement and spearheaded by people who engineered the political liberation of the country from colonial occupation.
He furthermore said Swapo's main objective was to ensure the liberation of the country by means of political, diplomatic and military efforts.
He said during the liberation struggle, the party fought for the interests of all Namibians, adding that it will continue to do so in order to bring about economical emancipation for all.
Geingob quoted legendary Che Guevara of Cuba, “I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves.
“As we move forward, let us be ready to face the challenges that lie ahead of us and let us not face these challenges as individuals or groups,” he said.
He elaborated on the history of the party discussing the contract labour system which led to the formation of the Owambo People's Congress in 1957 in Cape Town by Emile Apollus, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and Andreas Shipanga. At its core, it mandate to was remove the labour system and to get Namibia under United Nations trusteeship.
Swapo was formed on 19 April 1960 and the plight of the Namibian people was brought to the United Nations. After 1966, the armed struggle was taken up when the International Court of Justice, following a technicality, did not rule on the legality of South Africa's occupation of Namibian. On 26 August of that year, the armed struggle was born, Geingob said.
“Swapo fought for the interests of all Namibians and after independence, Swapo continues to fight for the interests of all Namibians.” Speaking on the continuing legacy of the party, Geingob said that times for former liberation movements are difficult.
“We are living in a time when former liberation movements are under attack from all kinds of enemies, both internal and external. It is only unity amongst comrades and cadres that will ensure we continue to evolve as a peoples' movement.”
He continued by saying that although “we face many challenges, no pressure, not strain can wipe away 57 years of milestones, successes and most importantly, camaraderie.”
He highlighted the role played by founding president Sam Nujoma saying it was his inclusiveness and reconciliatory approach which allowed peace to thrive in Namibia.
Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba also thanked founding President Sam Nujoma and former Head of State, Hifikepunye Pohamba for their excellent leadership that brought peace and stability to the country.
STAFF REPORTER
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