Omuthiya ready to host 34th Heroes Day commemoration

The town of Omuthiya in the Oshikoto region is gearing up to host Namibia’s 34th Heroes Day commemoration on Monday.

Heroes Day is observed annually on 26 August, which is the date Namibia’s war for independence began at Omugulugwombashe in the Omusati region in 1966.

Oshikoto governor Penda ya Ndakolo told The Namibian on Tuesday that preparations are in full swing, with various regional preparatory committees finalising their to-do lists.

“We want to thank president Nangolo Mbumba for affording us the opportunity to host this national event this year,” he said.

Ya Ndakolo said more than 500 former People’s Liberation Army of Namibia combatants will be in attendance and will hold their own reunion following Monday’s main event.

“They have pledged various donations for the main event such as meat, including cattle,” he said.

Ya Ndakolo said about 15 000 people are expected to be in attendance if all goes well. He urged members of the public from all regions to attend.

Ya Ndakolo said members of the public should expect a packed programme, including various cultural performances and a march by Namibian Defence Force troops.

Heroes Day is also a day to remember Namibia’s heroes and heroines who died in the struggle for independence.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Honouring Our Martyrs (Heroes and Heroines)’.

Omuthiya last hosted the event in 2012.