Cassinga Day commemorations are poignant moments in the history of Namibia ‘s struggle for independence, President Hage Geingob says.
He made these remarks in a media statement availed today on the occasion of the 38th commemoration of Cassinga Day.
Cassinga Day is commemorated on 04 May every year in honour of about 600 people who died when the South African Defence Force attacked a Swapo base at Cassinga in Angola in 1978.
The main commemoration takes place at Cassinga this year.
The occasion also marks the first time that about 300 survivors visit the massacre site at Cassinga.
Geingob said Cassinga Day carries a multitude of emotions that only the atrocities of war can conjure up.
“It is a day which revealed to the world the sheer brutality and callous nature of the enemy, which the sons and daughters of Namibia faced and in so doing, galvanized the support of our friends and allies from all over the world. ”
He added that in commemorating Cassinga Day, Namibians should dedicate themselves to honour fallen heroes and heroines by uniting as one people, one Namibia and one nation in the spirit of Harambee to build a Namibian House worthy of the struggle.
The president said this is also a day to pay tribute to Cuba and Angola that stood with Namibia as it endured the brutality of South African military aggression and oppression.
“May the memory of Cassinga always spur us on to pursue a future of peace and prosperity for all Namibians. Long live the heroes and heroines of Cassinga. Long live the memory of our struggle, ” Geingob said.
The commemoration in Angola on Wednesday is expected to be attended by Government officials including the Minister of Land Reform Utoni Nujoma; Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga; Cuban Ambassador to Namibia Giraldo Mazola and various Angolan dignitaries.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
