Statement by His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia on the occasion of the 26th Independence Day Celebration
Windhoek, March 21, 2016
On this day, in 1990, our Founding Father, Comrade Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, concluded his inaugural speech with the following remark, "I move in the name of the people, to declare that Namibia is forever free, sovereign and independent." With these words, Comrade Nujoma paved the way for Namibia to begin its journey of Independence, which has resulted in over two decades of peace.
On this day in 2006, our second President, Comrade Hifikepunye Lukas Pohamba stood before us and declared, "a new dawn has set on our beautiful country. Once again, we stand at the delicate moment when the nation pauses, takes a look at itself and recharges its energy and renews itself for the greater challenges that lie ahead. From this day onwards, our country will continue to coast towards the future as a united, democratic and prosperous nation." With these words, Comrade Pohamba cemented the pathof stability.
On this day in 2015, your third President in the form of yours truly said, "The nature of expectations is that the more they are met, the higher the level that is demanded. And rightly so. The overwhelming mandate given to the SWAPO Government and its Presidential candidate is a clear indication of the confidence my fellow citizens have in SWAPO and in me. It is also an indication of high expectations. After 25 years, people want food, clothing and shelter. They want jobs, better housing and good nutrition. They want a leader who will bring prosperity to the nation and they want that leader to act quickly." With these words, Namibia began marching towards the eradication of poverty to the beat of No Namibian Should Feel Left out.