N$2,5m for independence celebrations

LUQMAN CLOETE, ADAM HARTMAN, LUGERETZIA KOOPER and TJIPENANDJAMBI KUHANGAPREPARATIONS for the country’s 29th independence celebrations are underway with around N$2,5 million set aside for the event, in line with the national budget.

This year’s event takes place at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium in Olympia, where guests from the Southern African Development Community and beyond, including Kenya, are expected to join the celebrations.

Economist Klaus Schade said N$1 million was allocated for Independence Day celebrations under the Office of the Prime Minister’s vote in the past three years.

However, this amount was increased to N$2,5 million each year for the 2018/19 to 2020/21 events.

“Independence Day and Heroes Day are important national dates that remind us where we are coming from, and where we want to go,” Schade said.

He, however, stated that there is no reason why the cost of the celebration was increased to N$2,5 million from last year’s N$1 million since the event is in Windhoek.

Another local economist, Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, said celebrating independence is social capital because “we fought and shed blood for this country’s freedom”.

“Although we are struggling economically, we should not forget that what we have achieved so far is because of this day, as it unites us as Namibians.

“If it was not for the hard times economically, the government should step in and spend money on the economy, especially if the money will be used for purchasing goods and services, as that would stimulate growth,” Kakujaha-Matundu added.

If the money was used for other things not benefiting the economy, he said, then that should raise questions.

“We should not be very exorbitant on spending on this kind of stuff because there are other competing priorities. But if this is a reasonable amount that we spend on this important event, I will give the government the go-ahead,” Kakujaha-Matundu said.

Keetmanshoop rural constituency councillor Elias Kharuxab yesterday said Independence Day is worth celebrating and reflecting on the country’s liberation struggle and nation-building.

“It is the momentous occasion we should honour,” he stated, adding that celebrating independence is a tradition all over the world.

“I am already in a celebratory mood, and cannot wait for the day to come,” enthused Kharuxab.

According to him, they have budgeted N$30 000 for each constituency to organise belated celebrations to include everybody.

Human rights activist Uhuru Dempers said he does not have “so much of an issue” about the day’s celebrations.

However, he was quick to add that the way it is being celebrated is a cause for concern.

“It is a one-stream celebration. Each year, everyone gathers at one place to listen to the message of the president,” he said.

Dempers proposed that independence should only be celebrated every three to five years, and that the president’s speech could be televised in the years the national event does not take place.

“By the way, the president’s speeches are in English, and half of the nation does not understand the Queen’s language.

Swanu vice president Benjamin Limbo said independence celebrations are for the Swapo elite and their followers because on such occasions, it is always the issue of the high table, while the rest of the people are given little diluted juice, or nothing.

Those sitting at the high table are served with the most sumptuous meals prepared by experienced and expensive restaurateurs.

“I am always shocked to learn about millions of dollars said to have been spent on celebrating every Independence Day. I don’t see the use of spending such money. If all Namibians do not enjoy such celebrations, then it is better it stops because it is not serving its purpose,” he stressed.

Limbo further noted that under the current economic crisis, he would advise that the day be celebrated as usual, but that every Namibian at least be fed, and be given the opportunity to feel the breath of independence.

“We all fought for this land, so we must treat each other as equals. This is the only Namibia we have. There will be no other one, so let us defend and protect it jealously, while we keep striving to become the most beautiful country in Africa,” he noted.

Kabbe South constituency councillor John Likando said the day remains very important to the masses, and as such should be celebrated every year.

The Zambezi Regional Council’s spokesperson, Damien Siambango, yesterday told The Namibian that preparations for the regional Independence Day celebrations are going well, and will be held at Lisikili village in the Kabbe North constituency.

“This year, the celebrations will be much better as we have an excellent programme organised for the people of Lisikili and the whole region at large.

“There will be cultural performances by the Lisikili cultural group, Mashi cultural group and local artist Black Mamba, who will also entertain the crowd. Everyone is welcome to the Independence Day celebrations,” he added.

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