Lucia Witbooi marks Independence Day commemoration in Karasburg

Karasburg, IIKharas region. 21 March 2026.

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Good morning.

I am greatly honoured to join you this morning here in Karasburg, IIKharas region, to commemorate the 36th anniversary of our nation’s independence, under the theme ‘Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future.’

Exactly 36 years ago, on 21 March 1990, Namibia attained its independence and sovereignty after a long and bitter struggle for freedom. Our independence was achieved through the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Namibia’s brave sons and daughters, under the leadership of the founding president and father of the Namibian nation, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.

This year’s theme ‘Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future’ calls upon us to move from reflection to action. It urges us to build on the solid foundations laid since independence and to accelerate socio-economic transformation for the benefit of all Namibians. As a nation, we must emulate the selflessness, unity of purpose and resilience demonstrated by our forebearers. Their legacy should inspire us to serve the best interests of all Namibians in every corner of our country, including the IIKharas region.

The government of the Republic of Namibia remains committed to inclusive development through the implementation of the sixth national development plan, which serves as our roadmap towards the attainment of our goals as contained in Vision 2030. Through this plan, we aim to strengthen economic growth, reduce inequalities, create employment and improve the quality of life for all our people.

Today, we celebrate our hard-won freedom and independence in the true spirit of one Namibia, one nation. This enduring principle reminds us that unity of purpose remains our greatest strength, from which we must draw inspiration. Regardless of our backgrounds, cultures or political affiliations, we are bound together by a shared destiny and a collective responsibility to build a prosperous Namibia, and we should continue to foster that unity.

As a nation, we have built a stable constitutional democracy anchored on the rule of law, respect for human rights, good governance, peace and political stability, which have enabled us to invest in national development, expand social services and promote sustainable economic growth. These achievements are a testament to our collective commitment to nation-building and social progress.

Under the 8th administration, the government has prioritised seven key areas: agriculture, sports development, youth empowerment, quality education and training, creative industries, quality healthcare and social welfare, as well as land, housing and sanitation. These priorities are aimed at accelerating service delivery, stimulating economic activity and improving livelihoods within the next four years of the current administration.

These strategic priorities are guided by the core leadership values of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, which are pragmatism, accountability, integrity, meritocracy and inclusivity. We should live by these values to ensure the government remains responsive, transparent and people-centred in its service to the nation.

Furthermore, on social progression, education remains one of the most powerful tools for social transformation. The government continues to promote and provide inclusive access to education through subsidised tertiary education at public institutions of higher learning. This policy ensures that all Namibians, regardless of their socio-economic background, have equal opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills that empower them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Moreover, youth empowerment remains central to our development agenda. As a responsible government, we established the national youth development fund to provide financial and technical support to young entrepreneurs across the country. I therefore urge the youth of the IIKharas region and beyond to seize these opportunities offered by the national youth development fund. To our young people here in the IIKharas region and other parts of the country, visit your nearest governor’s offices and apply for these programmes to improve your livelihoods and actively participate in the economic development of your country.

Since independence, Namibia has recorded significant achievements across the country, including the IIKharas region. Just on Thursday, I officiated at the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Keetmanshoop vocational training centre. The opening of this centre in Keetmanshoop will boost the economy of the region, uplift and empower young people to be active contributors to our country’s economic growth. As I did on Thursday, I invite all parents, especially from the IIKharas region, to encourage our children to take the opportunities offered at the Keetmanshoop vocational training centre in order to contribute meaningfully to our country’s human resource development.

This and other developments in the IIKharas region demonstrate our government’s commitment to ensuring balanced national progress in all regions of our country. The IIKharas region has emerged from a historically marginalised area into a dynamic and strategic economic hub, reflecting the government’s sustained commitment to inclusive development and regional integration. The region has recorded significant progress across key sectors, including the expansion of export-oriented agriculture along the Orange River, most notably table grape production in Aussenkehr, and agri-processing linked to the Naute and Neckartal dam projects, alongside continued growth in mining, fisheries and tourism. Major investments in infrastructure have strengthened connectivity, service delivery and institutional capacity, while development has increasingly reached smaller settlements through improved water supply, sanitation, electrification and road networks.

At the same time, access to healthcare has expanded through the growing network of clinics and health facilities in the region. The government continues to renovate and build new clinics to make health services accessible to the residents of the IIKharas region. Positioned within the Lüderitz–Aus development corridor, the region is now entering a new phase of industrialisation, driven by large-scale renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives, which are expected to accelerate economic growth, create employment, and reinforce the /IIKharas region’s role as a key contributor to Namibia’s sustainable development trajectory.

While the IIKharas region has made notable progress since independence, it continues to face structural challenges, including limited value addition and industrial activity, as well as persistent gaps in water, sanitation and housing, compounded by fiscal constraints. In response, the government is advancing key projects such as infrastructure upgrades in Grunau, water expansion in Ariamsvlei, water system rehabilitation in Noordoewer and Aussenkehr, and the servicing of plots in Aus. The strategic development of Aus as a gateway within the Lüderitz–Keetmanshoop corridor, alongside broader investments in settlement servicing and water infrastructure, reflects a continued commitment to accelerating inclusive and sustainable regional development.

As we celebrate this day, we equally honour the immense contributions of our former heads of state, Hifikepunye Pohamba, Hage Geingob and Nangolo Mbumba, as well as our current head of state, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who continues to guide our nation with dedication and visionary leadership.

In the same breath, we also owe it to our forefathers and foremothers, the likes of Captain Hendrik Witbooi, Jacob Marengo, Mandume Ndemufayo, Samuel Maharero, Simon Kooper, Anna Kakurukaze Mungunda, Jan Jonker Afrikaner, Abraham Morris and many other heroes and heroines who led the early resistance fight against foreign occupation of our country. Their sacrifices laid the foundation of the peaceful, democratic and stable Namibia we are proudly celebrating today.

As we commemorate this historic day, let us reaffirm our commitment to unity of purpose. Unity is the foundation upon which we can build greater prosperity, deepen social cohesion and secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Let us work together, as government, private sector, civil society, traditional leaders, the youth and all citizens, to advance development, strengthen our democracy and uplift the living standards of all our people.

As we move beyond 36 years, let us embrace innovation, strengthen resilience, and promote economic diversification and inclusivity to ensure no Namibian is left behind.

Happy 36th independence anniversary to you all.

May God bless the Republic of Namibia.

I thank you.

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