Reject tribalism - Geingob
The head of state says those who ushered in the liberation of Namibia walked a path that subsequent generations will never know.
President Hage Geingob says while commemorating Heroes' Day, Namibians should embrace the new narrative that espouses unity, transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a Heroes' Day commemoration yesterday at Otjiwarongo, Geingob also said Namibians must safeguard their hard-won freedom by rejecting all forms of hate speech, ethnicity, tribalism, racism and divisive language that incites violence.
Geingob said all Namibians should join hands to fight the scourges of poverty and corruption, while pursuing the goal of shared prosperity.
He further urged Namibians to commit to working together to bring about economic transformation.
“This is not only a day to commemorate the selfless acts of sacrifice, it is also a day for us to re-affirm our patriotism, to foster a true sense of pride and duty towards our nation,” the president said.
“This is our country, the only country we can call home. Protecting Namibia for our future generations is a shared responsibility.
“We must ensure that under no circumstances will we throw away the beautiful gift that was given to our people by God; the beautiful gift for which thousands of Namibians fought and died for.”
Geingob said the bravery of Namibia's heroes had ensured political independence, but heroism does not end with the hoisting of a flag and the singing of a national anthem.
“It is up to us to pick up the baton and continue the race, in order to deliver on the urgent promise of economic emancipation.”
According to him government, at independence, inherited a country that was fractured along ethnic and racial lines.
He said it is therefore that a policy of national reconciliation was adopted to heal the wounds caused by a past defined by a bitter struggle and to take the country down a new path of nation-building.
“We will continue to encourage Namibians to embrace each other and hold hands, to face the future together and work for the achievement of a prosperous and peaceful future for all our people.”
Geingob said following his recent series of town hall meetings across Namibia, the spirit of unity and patriotism is well-entrenched within society.
“I commend the many Namibians from all walks of life who participated with maturity, tolerance and empathy for one another.
Despite divergent views, we are holding hands to acknowledge our successes, face our challenges and pull in one direction towards a better future.”
He added those who ushered in the liberation of Namibia walked a path that subsequent generations will never know.
“Young men and women entered the arenas of battle to protect the freedoms of others, foregoing their own safety and well-being.
Their valorous deeds on the field of battle have guaranteed our nationhood and sovereignty.
“Their devotion to their people and country, their unwavering determination in the face of death, their willingness to make the greatest sacrifice of all, sets them apart as giants among humankind,” Geingob added.
ELLANIE SMIT
Speaking at a Heroes' Day commemoration yesterday at Otjiwarongo, Geingob also said Namibians must safeguard their hard-won freedom by rejecting all forms of hate speech, ethnicity, tribalism, racism and divisive language that incites violence.
Geingob said all Namibians should join hands to fight the scourges of poverty and corruption, while pursuing the goal of shared prosperity.
He further urged Namibians to commit to working together to bring about economic transformation.
“This is not only a day to commemorate the selfless acts of sacrifice, it is also a day for us to re-affirm our patriotism, to foster a true sense of pride and duty towards our nation,” the president said.
“This is our country, the only country we can call home. Protecting Namibia for our future generations is a shared responsibility.
“We must ensure that under no circumstances will we throw away the beautiful gift that was given to our people by God; the beautiful gift for which thousands of Namibians fought and died for.”
Geingob said the bravery of Namibia's heroes had ensured political independence, but heroism does not end with the hoisting of a flag and the singing of a national anthem.
“It is up to us to pick up the baton and continue the race, in order to deliver on the urgent promise of economic emancipation.”
According to him government, at independence, inherited a country that was fractured along ethnic and racial lines.
He said it is therefore that a policy of national reconciliation was adopted to heal the wounds caused by a past defined by a bitter struggle and to take the country down a new path of nation-building.
“We will continue to encourage Namibians to embrace each other and hold hands, to face the future together and work for the achievement of a prosperous and peaceful future for all our people.”
Geingob said following his recent series of town hall meetings across Namibia, the spirit of unity and patriotism is well-entrenched within society.
“I commend the many Namibians from all walks of life who participated with maturity, tolerance and empathy for one another.
Despite divergent views, we are holding hands to acknowledge our successes, face our challenges and pull in one direction towards a better future.”
He added those who ushered in the liberation of Namibia walked a path that subsequent generations will never know.
“Young men and women entered the arenas of battle to protect the freedoms of others, foregoing their own safety and well-being.
Their valorous deeds on the field of battle have guaranteed our nationhood and sovereignty.
“Their devotion to their people and country, their unwavering determination in the face of death, their willingness to make the greatest sacrifice of all, sets them apart as giants among humankind,” Geingob added.
ELLANIE SMIT
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