Thousands observe Human Rights Day
By Anna Nakambale

Thousands of people in Windhoek converged at the Old Location Cemetery to pay tribute to the Namibian heroes and heroines who perished during the struggle for Namibia’s independence.

The event was graced by the presence of President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Founding President Sam Nujoma, Prime Minister Nahas Angula and his Deputy, Dr. Libertine Amathila, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Chairperson of the National Council, Asser Kapere, Cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament.

On December 10th, 1959, the apartheid colonial forces forcefully removed Namibians from the Old Location, present day Hochland Park, and relocated them to present day Katutura. But this was not without any resistance. Namibians braved the brutalities of the apartheid colonial forces and refused to move, putting up a fierce fight against the heavily armed police officers.

However, they were eventually overwhelmed by the brutal colonial forces. More than 13 people were killed and 54 others were wounded. Among those killed was an outstanding brave woman, Kakurukaze Mungunda, who managed to set a police van on fire before she was shot dead at close range.

President Pohamba recalled her courage and heroism, saying that by commemorating Human Rights Day at the very site where she set the police van on fire, Namibians were also honouring and paying tribute to other Namibian sons and daughters who resisted colonial occupation and foreign domination.

“Their acts of bravery and gallantry added fresh and valuable momentum to the contemporary struggle for national liberation and independence,” said President Pohamba. “The fight for our nationhood and freedom was motivated by the belief that all human beings are created equal, with inalienable rights to freedom and dignity.”

The Old Location brutal eviction taught Namibians one lesson: that Namibia’s independence would never come on a silver platter. Unless they were united, they would never successfully defeat the colonial and apartheid forces of South Africa, hence the formation of SWAPO in April 1960.

Since the formation of SWAPO that day, it had fought militarily, politically and diplomatically, bringing about Namibia’s independence in 1990, thus allowing SWAPO Party to build a non-racial nation, democratic and united nation with a progressive constitution.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” The theme reflects the government’s understanding and commitment to the dignity of humankind and equality of all people.

“We believe that the enjoyment and respect for human rights is a fundamental ingredient to the development of our country and the building of a better future for our people,” said President Pohamba.

 
President Hifikepunye Pohamba and Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma laying wreaths at the Old Location Shrine on Thursday. Photos by Anna Nakambale.