Namibia Embassy Berlin -

OMUTHIYA – President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Sunday castigated critics condemning the Namibian Government’s decision to donate wild animals from Namibia to the Cuban government, following a bilateral agreement between the two governments.
About 150 animals, including elephants, large carnivores, small predators, antelope and vultures form part of the consignment that the government decided to donate to Cuba. They will be transported via air by October this year.

“We should not only be recipients but also givers,” Pohamba countered critics of the donation during the commemoration of Heroes’ Day held at Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region, in which he led the nation in honouring the heroes and heroines who participated in the liberation struggle, which swept Swapo Party to power at independence.

Diverting from a prepared speech, he said it is time that Namibians start appreciating the sacrifices made by the Cuban people during and after the liberation struggle.

“Do not be threatened by the Cubans. Still today, thousands of Namibians are studying in that country. Cuba’s policy of educating our children is a great sacrifice that should be commended,” President Pohamba told the thousands gathered for Heroes’ Day.
On Sunday scores of people thronged a makeshift stadium in Omuthiya to honour the country’s gallant sons and daughters who fought for the country’s liberation.

This year no awards or medals were bestowed, but those in attendance were treated to a thrilling fly-past by Namibian Air Force jets and planes, as well as a parachute-jumping show.
Cultural groups from all tribes provided entertainment.

Pohamba said as Namibians celebrate Heroes’ Day, they should also remember that people went to war for every Namibian to have equal opportunities in a free society.

He said the day was observed with reverence and deep appreciation for the emancipation and freedom that were brought about by the country’s fallen and living heroes and heroines.

Pohamba said the biggest challenge presently is the need to guarantee that future generations will continue to realise the role played by the fallen freedom fighters and to celebrate their lives.

The President paid tribute to Chief Nehale Lya Mpingana who engaged the colonial forces at Namutoni, not far from Omuthiya, in answering a call from Samuel Maharero who was fighting the colonial forces in the central area of Namibia, while Hendrick Witbooi and Jakob Marenga were engaging the colonial forces further in the south.

“We also remember other heroes of the anti-colonial struggle such as Kahimemua Nguvauva, Simon Kooper, Nikodemus Kavikunua, Mandume ya Ndemufayo, Iipumbu ya Tshilongo, and many others,” he listed some among many heroes and heroines.
The President made special mention of living stalwarts of the revolution such as Dr Sam Nujoma, who led the National Liberation Struggle; Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, Mzee Simon Kaukungwa and many others who are still alive.

“We salute them all, the unsung heroes and heroines of our revolution. Let us rededicate ourselves to the task of nation-building. Namibia needs all of us to do our part and to contribute to the development of our country, the strengthening of communities and the revitalisation of our social fabric,” he said.

Independence, he went on, placed the destiny of Namibians in their own hands, and it means that they should plan, establish new frameworks for governance, build institutions and mobilise the required resources to fund developmental programmes to foster progress.

It means cultivating an enabling political climate to promote national reconciliation and mutual understanding after decades of war and conflict.

Pohamba, among others, also mentioned the appointment of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the state of the public health care system.

Among those who attended Sunday’s commemoration in Omuthiya were Founding President Sam Nujoma, Prime Minister Nahas Angula and his Deputy, Marko Hausiku, National Assembly Speaker, Theo-Ben Gurirab, Chairperson of the National Council, Asser Kapere, the Ondonga Traditional Authority’s King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, as well as regional governors and councillors from various constituencies in the regions.