Windhoek, May 4 – – Namibian President His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has urged Government to include the history of Cassinga Day in the Education Curriculum so that the such information are preserved for the future generation. “It is essential that we integrate the lessons of despair and triumph at Cassinga into our educational curriculum, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this tragic event in our nation’s history. By teaching current and future generations about the sacrifices made by those who came before us, we instil in them a sense of responsibility to uphold and cherish the values of freedom, justice and equality.”
In his message of commemoration, President Nangolo Mbumba says:
“Today, the 4th of May 2024 marks 46 years since the atrocious attack on innocent Namibians, mainly women and children who were sheltered at the Cassinga Refugee Camp in Angola. The Cassinga massacre will forever stand out in Namibian history as a sharp reminder of the brutality inflicted against our people during our long and protracted struggle for independence.
The 4th of May 1978 demonstrated the unimaginable extent the Apartheid Regime was willing to go to, with the clear intent of breaking the Namibian spirit. In that vein, the Apartheid Regime orchestrated the mass killing of innocent women and children at Cassinga to test our resolve and determination to attain freedom. On that day, innocent lives were lost and the hopes of many were shattered. However, through the tales of Cassinga survivors and our amplification of our struggle for freedom and the triumph of Namibians against the tyranny of Apartheid, we demonstrated courage and our ability to rise in the face of adversity.
Sadly, the lasting trauma and scars endured by survivors and their descendants continue to affect individuals and communities, reminding us of the importance of healing, memory, reconciliation and nation-building. By acknowledging and addressing this ongoing impact, we demonstrate our commitment to building a more compassionate and inclusive Namibian House, where the wounds of the past can be validated and ultimately healed.
The darkness and the scars of Cassinga on survivors and Namibians in general are with us. Indeed, they will continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Namibian people in their fight for their inalienable right to freedom. Cassinga Day reminds us that we are a nation forged in the fires of adversity, tempered by the trials of history. It is our strength and our resilience that will guide us as we forge ahead with our task of nation-building and development.
In commemorating Cassinga Day, we are reminded that we cannot effectively build our nation without the preservation of our history. It is essential that we integrate the lessons of despair and triumph at Cassinga into our educational curriculum, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this tragic event in our nation’s history. By teaching current and future generations about the sacrifices made by those who came before us, we instil in them a sense of responsibility to uphold and cherish the values of freedom, justice and equality. Through remembrance ceremonies, memorial sites, and educational programs, we will continue to ensure that the memory of Cassinga lives on, inspiring us to strive for a better and more compassionate Namibia and to never take our hard-won freedoms for granted.
As we reflect on this history altering ordeal, we must also reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with all those around the world who are still fighting for freedom, justice and dignity. The support and solidarity we received from our comrades from the Republic of Cuba, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Zambia, the Republic of Zimbabwe, Republic of Tanzania and beyond during our darkest hours serve as a testament to the power of unity in the face of oppression. We lend our voices in support of those who are still oppressed in Palestine and Western Sahara. By fostering alliances and working together with other nations committed to the ideals of peace and justice, we honour the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives at Cassinga.
Let us honour the memory of those who came before us by striving continually to be worthy of the sacrifices they made. And let us equally never forget that it is only by standing together,
united in purpose that we can truly honour the legacy of the heroic men, women and children who perished at Cassinga. In their honour, we should continue building a compassionate and inclusive nation worthy of their dreams.
We forgive, but we shall never forget Cassinga Day.
Long live the heroes and heroines of our liberation struggle! Long live the unity of the Namibian people!
Long live the Republic of Namibia!”
African Youth Newspaper
