President honours frontline workers

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK



President Hage Geingob honoured frontline healthcare workers in his Heroes' Day message as Namibia continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

“The global outbreak of Covid-19 has affected our lives in unimaginable ways and at present, we find ourselves in a fight to preserve the lives of all Namibians. The reality of this fight has hit each and every Namibian as we remember those that have lost their lives as a result of this pandemic,” Geingob said yesterday.



Our heroes

“I pay tribute to our heroes and heroines from our health sector, the fighters on the frontlines who are our health workers. These brave men and women are our bulwark against the invisible enemy and we salute the immense sacrifices they are making to save Namibian lives while sometimes foregoing their own safety,” he said.

Geingob also commended health minister Kalumbi Shangula and the Covid-19 task team established to develop Namibia's response to the pandemic.



Unsung

Geingob also extended his best wishes to religious and non-governmental organisations.

“I also applaud our church leaders, traditional leaders, non-governmental organisations, workers, [the] private sector and all Namibians for standing together with government against Covid-19.”

Geingob said those who had died for Namibia did it out of love for the country.

“As we observe Heroes' Day and commemorate the fallen, we do so as one people united in destiny and purpose.

“Heroes' Day is an important national event which belongs to all Namibians. It is an event that must be embraced by all because we need to understand that those who died for our freedom, did so out of patriotism, for love of their country,” he said.

“As we mark the commemoration of Heroes' Day, we reflect on those distinguished patriots whose bravery, foresight, fortitude and love of country has left an indelible mark on the legacy of Namibia,” he added.