Hamutumwa urges youth to honour liberation legacy

OSHAKATI, 22 MAR (NAMPA) - Ohangwena Governor, Kadiva Hamutumwa, has urged young Namibians to actively preserve and document the country’s liberation history, warning that its legacy must not fade with time.
Speaking at the 36th independence regional commemoration in Helao Nafidi, Hamutumwa said the responsibility of safeguarding Namibia’s past now rests with a new generation that did not directly experience the struggle for independence.
“We challenge you to appreciate and embrace this glorious history that we are part of. You should document these stories of sacrifice, bravery, and victory for the generations that are yet to come. Make it a living testament that honours those who laboured for our freedom,” she said.
Hamutumwa warned that without deliberate efforts to preserve history, future generations risk losing touch with the values that shaped the nation.
She further highlighted the pivotal role of the Ohangwena Region in the liberation struggle, describing the area as a battleground where courageous men and women fought valiantly for independence.
"The Ohangwena Region played an instrumental role. Often referred to as a battleground, our region bore witness to the sacrifices of courageous men and women who fought valiantly for liberation. Amongst the arid landscapes and vast horizons, blood dripped on the ground, sacrifices that must be etched in our memories eternally. Today, we stand on that sacred soil, reminded of the countless lives that were sacrificed to ensure that we might enjoy the freedoms we hold dear,” she said.
Hamutumwa also paid tribute to fallen heroes and their families, naming prominent figures such as Tobias Haiyenko and Helao Nafidi, whose bravery inspired generations.
She further emphasised the crucial role of Angola and its people in supporting Namibia’s fight for freedom.
“We remain forever indebted to Angola and her people for the shelter provided during the struggle, for the shared aspirations of freedom, and for the bonds formed in the crucible of adversity. Through your solidarity, we found strength, and together, we marched towards our final victory,” she added.
She noted that the Cunene Province played a crucial role in the Namibian liberation struggle by providing sanctuary and support for those who fought for independence, and said Namibia and Angola continue to maintain strong bilateral relations, promoting economic development for both countries, particularly in the border town of Oshikango.
(NAMPA)
HE/AS/EK