Stefanus Nashama
OMUTHIYA Town Council says it is ready to host this year’s 33rd Heroes Day commemorations on August 26 at the Omuthiya Recreational Park.
Omuthiya Town Council Spokesperson, Ottilie Shingenge stated on Wednesday that the town is ready to host the Heroes’ Day celebration for the second time after hosting it in 2012.
“In terms of readiness, Omuthiya Town Council, as a hosting town, is ready to host the 26 August 33 Heroes’ Day commemorations. In terms of venue, cleanliness of the town, and all logistic arrangements are in place,” she said.
This follows an official announcement was made by Oshikoto Regional Governor, Penda Ya Ndakolo, who on Monday informed and invited all and sundry to Omuthiya for Heroes Day commemorations.
Ya Ndakolo stated in his proclamation that President Hage Geingob had directed him that Heroes’ Day celebration are to be held in the Oshikoto region.
Ya Ndakolo, a liberation struggle war veteran, described Heroes Day as a dignified and honoured public holiday day on which Namibia commemorates heroes and heroines who took part in the liberation war, which began on August 26, 1966, at Omugulugwombashe in the Omusati region.
“26 August occupies a special place in our hearts and history as a nation, as we remember and pay tribute to our dear heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of our motherland Namibia,” he said.
Heroes Day is a national public holiday recognised by the United Nations (UN) as Namibia Day.
According to Ya Ndakolo, the citizens of Oshikoto Region are honoured to host such a memorable and significant day in Namibia’s history.
“On behalf of the Oshikoto leadership and the country at large, I therefore hereby invite all Namibians, veterans of the liberation struggle, and international guests to come and witness the commemoration of this very important day,” Ya Ndakolo said.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Nahas Angula acknowledged the event and invited people from all around the country to travel to Oshikoto to mark Heroes’ Day.
“I am delighted to learn that Heroes’ Day will be observed in Omuthiya. I was unaware of this. This is an honour for Oshikoto residents and the Namibian people as a whole,” he said.
Angula recommended that Heroes’ Day be marked to honour those whose blood watered Namibia’s freedom, those who sacrificed and spent years in prison fighting for Namibia’s rights and freedom.
“I will be commemorating this historic day in Onyaanya Parish Church, where my 80th birthday will be celebrated on August 26,” he remarked.
He also paid respect to Oshikoto freedom struggle veterans such as Peter Nanyemba, John Otto Nankudhu, and many more.
