NNN: Economic independence Namibia’s gift to Pohamba
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged the current generation to turn the country’s political freedom into economic independence. She said the onus rests on today’s leaders to create opportunities for young people, reduce inequality and ensure the gains of independence are felt in the daily lives of Namibians. Nandi-Ndaitwah made the call in a message marking... The post NNN: Economic independence Namibia’s gift to Pohamba appeared first on New Era .
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged the current generation to turn the country’s political freedom into economic independence.
She said the onus rests on today’s leaders to create opportunities for young people, reduce inequality and ensure the gains of independence are felt in the daily lives of Namibians.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made the call in a message marking former president Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, who turned 91 yesterday.
“The generation of Comrade Pohamba fought to secure our political freedom. Our responsibility is to preserve that freedom while advancing economic independence, creating opportunities for our young people, reducing inequality and ensuring that the promise of independence is increasingly felt in the everyday lives of all Namibians,” she said. Pohamba’s generation sacrificed to secure Namibia’s political freedom, while the current generation has inherited the responsibility of protecting that achievement and addressing the economic challenges that remain, she said.
“At 91, Comrade Pohamba therefore stands not only as a former head of state but also as a living witness to Namibia’s extraordinary national journey,” she said. Pohamba is a founding member of Swapo and spent decades involved in the struggle for national liberation. Nandi-Ndaitwah said he committed his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice, dignity and self-determination for Namibians.
“Like many of his generation, he understood that freedom would demand sacrifice, courage and perseverance, often without any certainty that those making the sacrifices would themselves live to see the freedom for which they fought,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
After independence in 1990, Pohamba continued serving in various capacities and contributed to strengthening Namibia’s democratic institutions and addressing socio-economic challenges inherited from colonial rule. Nandi-Ndaitwah said Pohamba understood that political liberation was only the beginning of nation-building.
“His service reflected a deep understanding that political freedom, while precious, was not the end of our journey, but the beginning of the equally demanding task of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Namibia,” she said.
Pohamba later became the country’s second president, replacing Founding President Sam Nujoma, and Nandi-Ndaitwah said his leadership was grounded in humility, reconciliation, national unity and respect for the rule of law.
She credited his presidency with contributing to the consolidation of democracy and strengthening institutions on which succeeding generations continue to build.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted progress in women’s participation in political decision-making during Pohamba’s tenure, saying this reinforced the principle that Namibia’s development requires the participation of all its people.
However, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the true measure of a statesman is not necessarily the positions he held or the honours he received but the country he leaves behind.
“It is found in the country he leaves to those who come after him,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said his 91st birthday should also remind younger Namibians that the peace and freedoms they enjoy were not achieved by accident but through the courage and sacrifice of previous generations.
–ljason@nepc.com.na
