Former president Nangolo Mbumba at the 35th Independence Day anniversary, State House, Windhoek, 21 March 2025
Today, we celebrate a monumental day in the history of our republic. It is the day on which we commemorate our 35th independence anniversary, and it is also the day on which we will witness one of Namibia’s foremost daughters breaking through the glass ceiling.
It has been a long time coming, a long journey filled with trials and tribulations. But just as our struggle for independence, spearheaded by the gallant sons and daughters of Namibia, has paid dividends, likewise, the struggle for gender justice, led by the brave women of Namibia and their allies across the international community, is bearing fruit as we prepare to swear in our first female president.
What we are celebrating today would not be possible without the invaluable sacrifices made by brave Namibian men and women who selflessly paid the ultimate price to ensure that freedom and independence became a reality for all Namibians. Their blood waters the foundations of our democracy and the pillars of unity, liberty, and justice.
At this juncture, it would be remiss of me not to mention the extraordinary personality whose formidable leadership is primarily responsible for ensuring that Namibia is today a paragon of unity, peace, and stability. I speak of no other person than Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, founding president of Namibia and leader of the Namibian revolution.
In the same vein, let me also laud the magnificent leadership of Hifikepunye Pohamba, second president of the Republic of Namibia, and my late brother, Hage Geingob, third president of the Republic of Namibia.
This triumvirate of revolutionary leaders has played a significant role in shaping Namibia and the destiny of its people.
Today marks the final occasion on which I will say goodbye to you, the beautiful Namibian people, as president. I have already said my goodbyes to the cabinet, parliament, my staff, and all civil servants.
To say that my tenure has been eventful would be an understatement. From my first day in office to this very moment, it feels like I never had a chance to catch my breath. Nevertheless, I would like to state that being president of the Republic of Namibia has been the greatest honour ever bestowed upon me.
I thank God for his protection, love, and grace throughout my tenure. I thank my loving wife, Sustjie Nashili Mbumba, my rock, my number one supporter, my soulmate. Thank you for being with me every step of the way, even when I was overcome by the weight of the situation and felt these legs could not take me any further. Thank you to my children and grandchildren. Thank you to my extended family.
Thank you to my predecessors, the late President Sam Nujoma, President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and the late President Hage Geingob. Thank you to my successor, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the secretary general of the Swapo Party, and the entire rank and file of the Swapo Party, as well as leaders of all political parties, for your support and your conduct as Namibian citizens.
Thank you to our guest of honour, our sister Samia Suluhu Hassan, president of the United Republic of Tanzania. Thank you to heads of state and government and former heads of state and government. Thank you for your support through a very difficult chapter in our history, losing two iconic leaders.
Thank you to all the uniformed services, the men and women whose daily task it is to keep our country and people safe and secure from both external and internal threats. It was an honour to be your commander-in-chief.
Lastly, to the Namibian people, the ultimate sovereigns, our bosses—thank you for your support and understanding. Wherever I travelled across the country, I was greeted with cheers, smiles, and gestures of goodwill. I am humbled and proud at the same time to have been your president. I take my hat off to all of you.
Now, as we turn the last page of this final chapter, we look forward to the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter of hope, promise, and prosperity – the chapter of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Let us all support her and wish her good health, strength, and wisdom!
Happy 35th Independence Day, Namibia!
May God bless the Republic of Namibia.
Long live the Republic of Namibia.
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