Niël Terblanché
On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Namibia’s Constitution, President Nangolo Mbumba has issued a heartfelt call to the nation, urging Namibians to cherish the peace and stability that have become the hallmarks of the country.
This call to reflection and celebration comes as Namibians remember the visionary leadership of the late President Hage Geingob, a pivotal figure in the country’s journey towards independence and democracy.
President Geingob remembered for his role as the Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly, the founding Prime Minister, and ultimately as the third President of Namibia, was lauded by President Mbumba for his dedication to embedding the principles of the Constitution deeply within the fabric of Namibian society.
“As we commemorate this day, let us draw solace from President Geingob’s enduring encouragement for all citizens to embrace our Constitution as a living document,” Mbumba said.
The Namibian Constitution, adopted unanimously on 9 February 1990, just before the country gained its independence, stands as a symbol of unity, freedom, and the rule of law.
It reflects the aspirations of a nation that has, under the guidance of leaders like President Geingob, navigated the path of nation-building with remarkable grace and determination.
In his address, President Mbumba highlighted the “dark cloud” that looms over Namibia following the loss of a leader who not only championed the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution but also steered the nation towards peace and stability.
These achievements, according to President Mbumba, have made Namibia “the envy of many nations across the globe.”
In line with the spirit of the Constitution, President Mbumba called on Namibians to re-commit themselves to inclusive economic development, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the nation’s progress. This vision echoes the foundational principles of equality and justice that the Constitution promotes.
Adding to the day’s commemorations, Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, reflected on the historic drafting of the Constitution. Drafted by 72 members of the Constituent Assembly from diverse and once adversarial backgrounds, the Constitution stands as a testament to the spirit of unity and compromise that characterized Namibia’s founding moments.
Professor Katjavivi praised the Constitution as the “mother of all laws,” a guiding light that has enabled the construction of a strong nation committed to upholding the rights and freedoms of all its citizens.
The drafting process itself, completed in record time, symbolizes the collective will and determination of Namibia’s founding fathers and mothers to lay a solid foundation for their newly independent nation.
As Namibia celebrates 34 years of constitutional democracy, the legacy of leaders like President Hage Geingob and the enduring values of the Constitution remind Namibians of the strength found in unity, the importance of peace, and the ongoing journey towards a prosperous and inclusive nation.
