President Nandi-Ndaitwah leads a nation in reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose as the Land of the Brave celebrates three and a half decades of sovereignty
A Nation Gathers as One
Namibia on Saturday marked the 36th anniversary of its independence in a historic departure from tradition, with commemorations held simultaneously across all fourteen regions of the country for the first time. Speaking in Windhoek in the Khomas Region, President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded a proud nation of the defining moment that changed its destiny forever — the midnight of 21 March 1990, when Founding President Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma declared at Independence Stadium that Namibia was “forever free, sovereign, and independent.”
“Across our towns, villages, and regional capitals, Namibians are gathering at the same time to celebrate this important day together,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “This reflects the very spirit of our nation — that Independence belongs to every Namibian in every corner of our land.” The decision to decentralise this year’s commemoration was deliberate, the President explained, designed to deepen every citizen’s sense of ownership over the nation’s freedom and its future.
Honouring the Sacrifices That Made Freedom Possible
President Nandi-Ndaitwah used the occasion to pay sober tribute to the men and women whose courage made Namibian independence possible — many of whom did not live to witness the day they fought for. Invoking the words of founding SWAPO member Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, who once declared that the struggle would be “long and bitter” but that the Namibian people would wage it whatever the cost, she reminded her compatriots that the freedoms they enjoy today were purchased at an extraordinary price.
“Numerous valiant sons and daughters endured incarceration, adversity, and the ultimate sacrifice so that Namibia could attain liberty,” she said. “Their blood waters the freedom we cherish today.” The President also directed her words to younger Namibians — a generation for whom 1990 exists only through the testimony of elders — urging them to carry the memory and the responsibility of independence forward with the same determination that secured it.
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Diplomatic Luncheon: Solidarity, Partnerships, and a Special Guest
Later in the day, President Nandi-Ndaitwah hosted members of the Diplomatic Corps at a luncheon marking the anniversary, where she expressed deep appreciation for the international solidarity that sustained Namibia during its liberation struggle and continues to shape its development partnerships today. She singled out Angola, Zambia, and other Frontline States for their sacrifices, acknowledged the material and logistical support of the former USSR, Scandinavian countries, China, and India, and reaffirmed Namibia’s continued engagement through SADC, the African Union, and the United Nations in the pursuit of peace, justice, and a fair global order.
A highlight of the occasion was the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who attended as a guest of honour. President Nandi-Ndaitwah recalled Nigeria’s steadfast support during Namibia’s liberation struggle and noted that Obasanjo had been among the first statesmen to send her a congratulatory message upon her inauguration as Namibia’s fifth President. In a separate courtesy visit, Obasanjo stressed that African unity and continental collaboration remain essential to meaningful development — before paying his respects at Heroes Acre, laying wreaths on the graves of Founding President Dr. Nujoma and former President Hage Geingob, and visiting Madam Kovambo Nujoma, widow of the founding father.
A Birthday Salute to Vice President Lucia Witbooi
The day carried a further layer of celebration as the nation marked the 64th birthday of Vice President Lucia Witbooi — Namibia’s second female Vice President and, in the President’s words, one of the country’s most distinguished daughters. Born in Gibeon Village in the Hardap Region, Witbooi has risen through decades of public service defined by humility, resilience, and an unflinching commitment to the welfare of ordinary Namibians, particularly women, girls, and minority communities long excluded from the nation’s mainstream economic and social life
“Her humility, compassion, and deep sense of duty have distinguished her public service,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said in a formal birthday tribute, adding that Witbooi’s journey stands as living proof that “leadership and service know no boundaries.” As Namibia looked back on 36 years of hard-won freedom on Saturday, it also looked forward — in the person of its Vice President — to the kind of purposeful, people-centred leadership that the next chapter of the nation’s story demands.
