PRESIDENT Hage Geingob on Monday toured the country’s military headquarters at Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region.
Geingob, who is the Commander-In-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, said in a globalised world each country is faced with internal and external threats to its national security and that the maintenance of peace and security of each country is one of the critical factors in the field of governance.
He reminded members of the defence force to see to it that each and every Namibian feels secure and protected at all times.
“Each and every Namibian must feel proud of our armed forces, and have an opportunity to become a member of these armed forces.”
He urged members of the armed forces to continue showing a high level of professionalism, accountability and ethical morals required of real soldiers.
Geingob said he, however, is disappointed as Commander-In-Chief of the NDF to read about some isolated incidents of violent crimes committed by members of the force.
He warned that such isolated negative behaviour must come to an end, saying whoever makes him or herself guilty will be rooted out of the armed forces.
Geingob said divisive tendencies such as tribalism, nepotism and regionalism must not be entertained by any Namibian.
Different types of weapons, artillery guns, war vehicles and air force equipment were on display for the President during his first familiarisation visit to the Grootfontein military headquarters.
Geingob said he is happy to see members of the defence force being well-looked after and taken care of by government.
He said it would be a mismatch if members entrusted with the national duty of maintaining peace and security could live in deplorable conditions.
“I therefore, direct the minister of defence to engage stakeholders in land delivery including the minister of urban and rural development in providing urban land and housing to members of the armed forces.”
During the tour, the President was accompanied by the defence minister Penda ya Ndakolo, chief of Defence Force,lieutenant general John Mutwa, army commander major-general Thomas Hamunyela and air force commander air vice-marshal Martin Pinehas.
– Nampa
