Ululations and patriotism mark independence day

THOUSANDS of Namibians braved the scorching heat at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek to celebrate the country’s 26th independence anniversary yesterday.

By early morning, municipal buses were dropping off excited members of the public adorned in traditional attire of many shades and party colours, or with the national flag. Others woke up as early as 4h00 to make sure they secured vantage seats at the normally-packed stadium.

As the sun rose steadily above the nearby mountain range, colourful umbrellas were flipped open while some attendees, including some distinguished guests, used papers to shield themselves from the blazing sun.

Around 10h00, the crowd were oozing with excitement and patriotism, waving miniature flags and ululating at the arrival of President Hage Geingob, Founding President Sam Nujoma and former President Hifikepunye Pohamba as well as other dignitaries, while the Ndilimani cultural troupe lifted the spirits of the crowd with liberation songs and dance.

Other foreign dignitaries at the celebrations were the president of Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and his wife, former Zambian president Rupiah Banda, former secretary general of the Organisation of African Unity (now AU) Salim Ahmed Salim as well as Akinwunmi Ambode, the governor of Lagos, Nigeria, amongst others.

The festivities started off with a parade by the Namibian Defence Force, police and navy officers, after which Geingob took to the dais and the ceremony started off with the singing of the national and African Union anthems.

After this, the lighting of the torch took place, and Geingob proceeded to inspect the parade where, to the delight of the crowd, he imitated the army’s drill.

The enthusiastic crowd waved their miniature flags as the air force jets flew past and skydivers made free-falls with parachutes into the stadium.

The sky remained painted with the national flag’s colours for a little while, as skydivers floated towards the ground.

Members of the public interviewed expressed pride and gratitude for being able to attend the auspicious event.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia bishop Ernst //Gamxamub said although independence means many things, the day symbolises the country’s liberation.

“Justice was done on this day. This day is marked as the day of freedom not only for Namibia as a country, but for its people,” he said.

Okuryangava resident Aina Hafeni (54) said the fruits of independence cannot be enjoyed fully by those who still do not have basic services such as water and electricity.

“We need running water and electricity; these essential services have not reached us. We do not even have toilets. Many families have to share one toilet, and we have to stand in a long queue just to wait for our turn in the toilet when nature calls,” said Hafeni.

Valentino Mathias (14) said he is happy for the freedom Namibia is enjoying, and that he as a young person did not have to grow up in a war situation.

Fellow youth Tjeri Katjangu (17) said Independence Day means a lot to her as it has brought about free education, and as one of the dancers who entertained the crowd, she was proud of her country.

Little Karen Gawanas (11), said she was just happy because she enjoyed taking part in her country’s birthday celebrations.

Wecke and Voigts’ chairman Dieter Voigts (78) said as a third-generation Namibian, he is very happy to have been part of the celebrations as it reminds him of how lucky Namibians are to be part of this beautiful country.

“I am proud that the different communities live together peacefully, and I hold that to the credit of the government because they are the enabling factor,” he said.

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