Hertta-Maria Amutenja
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has again thanked the Cuban revolutionary forces for saving survivors of the 1978 Cassinga massacre.
She said their support will never be forgotten.
“We thank the Cuban revolutionary people. The internationalist will never go away. And you must understand, Namibians—current and future—will stand with Cuba in whatever situation,” she said during the 47th Cassinga Day commemoration on Friday.
On 4 May 1978, South African airborne troops attacked the Cassinga camp in southern Angola.
The camp served as a refugee reception centre and was run by Swapo.
More than 600 people were killed, many of them women and children.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Cuban forces operating in Angola at the time acted quickly to help Swapo combatants and survivors of the attack.
“Thanks to the internationalists of the Cuban revolutionary army who were also operating in Angola. They moved swiftly to join Swapo combatants in the nearby areas, which was not easy, and that’s what saved our Cassinga survivors who are here,” she said.
She described the attack as a reminder of the brutality of the apartheid forces.
“It was on this day that innocent refugees, mostly women and children, were viciously and inhumanely attacked by a minority regime intent on crushing the will of our people. Instead of breaking our spirit, this massacre only strengthened the resolve of our people to fight for justice, dignity and independence,” she said.
She urged Namibians to stay committed to the values that guided them during the liberation struggle.
“Let us recommit ourselves to the values that carried us through the darkest chapters of our history: discipline, unity of purpose, resilience and unwavering patriotism. Let us remain focused and stand united behind the 8th Administration of the Swapo Party government as we march toward the second phase of our struggle for the economic emancipation of each and every Namibian,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She also paid tribute to those who died in the attack and the fighters who came to help.
“We pay special homage to all those who sacrificed, the ones found in the camp and those who were on the way to assist them,” she said.
SWAPO secretary general Sophia Shaningwa also spoke during the event.
She thanked Nandi-Ndaitwah for her leadership.
“You, our leader, are the only person we can say you are here to protect and heal those broken hearts at this very difficult time,” said Shaningwa.
The Cassinga massacre is commemorated every year to honour those who died and to reflect on Namibia’s journey to independence.
The Cassinga settlement was used by Swapo to receive Namibians fleeing South African rule and prepare them for resistance.
