Namibia toasts strong Angola bond
Angola’s 47th independence celebrations took place in a jovial atmosphere with various speakers highlighting the path Angola travelled and the gains it made since, as well as the role it played in liberating Namibia.
Former inspector general of the Namibian Police Sebastian Ndeitunga said Angola’s independence day was not just a celebration for them but for the whole of Africa and that the continent should own this day as part of the African family. The Angolan community in Namibia celebrated their 47th Independence on 11 November at the Safari Hotel in Windhoek.
He said Angolan independence forms a big part of Africa’s history and without Angola he doesn’t know where or how Namibia would be today. Ndeitunga said Angola served as a firm trench for revolution of southern African countries, Namibia and South Africa specifically.
Angola made sure that whatever comes will solidify with the liberation movements of southern Africa. Angola was victimised by the South African apartheid regime for the support they gave to liberation movements, Swapo and ANC, their infrastructure including houses were destroyed.
Ndeitunga said the Namibian youth must educate themselves on the history between the two countries. He mentioned that youth do not know how the Angolan nation scarified for Namibia’s independence.
The retired chief of police advised the general public to refrain from xenophobic actions against Angolan nationals who seek refuge in Namibia due to challenges they face in their country.
“There are many people who are myopic when it comes to history, they don’t know facts! And if you don’t know your past, you have lost the compass of where you are going in the future,” said Ndeitunga.
He further said anybody who utters xenophobic actions against Angolans or any other nationals should be reprimanded.
On behalf of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO), deputy minister Jenelly Matundu congratulated the people of Angola.
“As we celebrate this day, let us pay tribute to the special relationship between Namibia and Angola. Our two countries share a common history and deep bonds of friendship that date back to the years of our shared interminable struggle where great sacrifices were made by our sons and daughters,” said Matundu.
“I am confident that the special relations, coupled with the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries and peoples will continue to be strengthened and solidified for the mutual benefit of our people,” she said. Jovelina Imperial e Costa, ambassador of Angola to Namibia, reminded of the history of her country and took the opportunity to outline Angola’s relations and cooperation with Namibia.
She thanked the Namibian government for its continued support to the people of Angola, especially along the border areas in sectors such as education and health provision.