- Teachers protest approved
- Schools to remain open
- President to deliver midnight address
Justicia Shipena
Namibia marks its 36th independence anniversary with a mix of protest and celebration.
In Windhoek, a teachers’ protest, a public march and official ceremonies are taking place on the same day.
The Namibian Police Force in the Khomas region has approved a planned demonstration by the Teachers’ Union of Namibia (TUN) scheduled for today.
In a notice issued by Khomas regional commander Johanna Ngondo yesterday, the police said they have no objection to the protest after reviewing the union’s submission dated 16 March.
Ngondo said the demonstration must follow strict conditions.
The protest will proceed to Parliament instead of State House, as agreed between law enforcement and union representatives.
Police instructed organisers to ensure the march remains peaceful and orderly.
The police warned that any actions that threaten public safety or violate the set conditions will be treated as a criminal offence under the Public Gatherings Proclamation.
Ngondo said any gathering that turns into a riot will be dispersed in line with the law. She urged organisers and participants to respect the rights of others and cooperate with authorities.
The demonstration forms part of the union’s planned Economic National Action Day.
TUN secretary general Mahongora Kavihuha said that schools will be closed today.
He called on parents to keep learners at home as teachers join the nationwide protest.
Mahongora said the demonstration will begin at 08h00 at the Augustinho Neto Square in Windhoek, with similar activities expected in other regions.
He said teachers and other public sector workers will hand over a petition to the President and regional representatives.
Mahongora said the protest is aimed at addressing concerns affecting teachers and civil servants.
He said the action seeks to restore the dignity and rights of workers in the public sector. He apologised for any inconvenience and urged parents to support the decision.
Schools remain open
However, the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has clarified that schools are to remain open.
Its executive director, Erastus Haitengela, said schools will operate as normal.
Haitengela said the date does not fall within a school holiday or a declared long weekend in the official calendar. He said no directive has been issued to suspend teaching and learning.
“All schools are expected to remain open and fully operational, with learners required to attend classes as scheduled,” he said.
The ministry has directed principals to ensure staff report for duty and that attendance is recorded. Haitengela urged parents and guardians to ensure learners go to school as usual. He said the ministry remains committed to protecting the right to education and limiting disruption.
Teachers are protesting a five percent salary increase and a presidential directive requiring public servants to use public health facilities.
The protest comes as Namibia marks 36 years of independence under the theme “Beyond 35 for a Prosperous Future”.
This year’s celebrations will take place in all 14 regions for the first time, allowing communities to mark the occasion in their own areas.
The decentralised format has drawn criticism over the selection of speakers.
Posters show that many keynote speakers are current and former government officials linked to Swapo.
These include former prime minister Nahas Angula, former defence minister Penda ya Ndakolo and former Ohangwena governor Usko Nghaamwa.
Political leaders like Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani said the arrangement creates the impression that national celebrations are being used for party political purposes.
Earlier this week, policy analyst Lazarus Kwedhi said such events should avoid partisan divisions and warned that political messaging could weaken national unity.
This is not the first time protests have coincided with independence celebrations.
In 2023, unemployed youth staged demonstrations over joblessness in several parts of the country. Police were accused of using force during those protests, which took place in Ohangwena, Walvis Bay, Keetmanshoop and Windhoek.
Activists Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma, along with PDM member of parliament Inna Hengari, were arrested.
President midnight address
Despite the tensions, celebrations are underway. In Windhoek, a public parade known as the “Independence Celebration – Uhuru March” is taking place this morning.
About 1 000 learners, youth and adults are expected to march from Palm Tree Park at 09h30 to Zoo Park.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Khomas Region governor and the City of Windhoek.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver her independence address at midnight from State House, marking the transition into 21 March.
According to the presidency, the address will be broadcast live on NBC Digital News and the presidency’s social media platforms.
Namibia gained independence on 21 March 1990.
