PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia and other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries should jealously guard their freedom and independence and remember those who sacrificed their lives for this.
In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate Southern Africa Liberation Day, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the country is joining other SADC countries in commemorating the day, which is observed annually on 23 March.
The SADC set aside Southern Africa Liberation Day to pay tribute to those in the region who sacrificed their lives to bring their countries freedom and peace.
“On this day, 36 years ago, one of the fiercest conventional battles at Cuito Cuanavale of Kuando, Kubanho Province of Angola, came to an end. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the country and the start of a new path towards development and sustained peace, ensuring that Angola would now form a key part of the SADC development and integration agenda,” the president said.
She said: “Let us remember the bravery of the People’s Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (Fapla), the
Cuban internationalist forces, and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) under Swapo Zanu-PF, the ANC, Frelimo, and others who participated in the struggle against the apartheid regime and led to the liberation of Namibia, South Africa, and the whole of southern Africa,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She said the country should jealously guard its freedom and peace.
“Our freedom and peace are the result of the sacrifices and the lives of those who paved the way for us. Namibia reaffirms commitment to working alongside fellow SADC countries to advance our shared developmental aspirations for the benefit of current and future generations,” she said.
The president urged the country to forge ahead with renewed determination and commitment to advocate the mutual developmental interest of the region and its people.
“On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Namibia, I wish the SADC family a happy Southern Africa Liberation Day,” she said.
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