The paradoxes of independence
While Panduleni Itula’s Independent Patriots for Change’s army marched along Independence Avenue to signal the genesis of their 2024 election campaign, some IPC bigwigs joined President Hage Geingob to commemorate Independence Day in Swakopmund.
IPC chairperson Brian Black and Walvis Bay Rural constituency councillor Donatus Tegako were among the attendees.
On Monday, Itula was advancing a narrative, saying: “In a country whose moral fibre has been ravaged by rampant corruption, where unemployment levels are shooting through the roof, compounded by a housing and land crisis, political independence leaves much to be desired.”
But as ugly as things are, Itula said Namibians paid the ultimate price to liberate Namibia from the yoke of colonialism.
“We are here to celebrate what was given to us through the sacrifices of our heroes and our heroines. We are here to affirm and re-affirm ourselves that their blood washes our souls,” he added.
IPC’s rallies took place simultaneously across Namibia.
“We left them eating Fishrot money @ Vineta Stadium [in] Swakopmund,” read one of the posters in Swakopmund, a few metres from Vineta.
All in all, the commemoration was marked by a series of contradictions.
Swakopmund residents flocked to the Vineta Stadium, but were blocked as the event was strictly limited to invited guests due to Covid-19 restrictions.
They were later allowed entry to receive lunch parcels and follow proceedings, after a public outcry.
Meanwhile, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani joined Geingob to celebrate the occasion, while his party’s youth league urged Namibians to boycott the event some two weeks back.
PDM’s Katutura constituency councillor Rodman Katjaimo also attended.
Critics say Venaani should not have attended an event where ordinary Namibians were blocked.
But the politician is defiant. “I am on record... [that] I will never boycott Independence Day of a nation I intend to lead one day,” he said, noting that he was merely an invited guest.
Late Monday afternoon, the Presidency issued a public apology.
“Government was limited by the Covid-19 health regulations, and could not permit more citizens joining the President in celebrating this milestone celebration of our young nation’s coming of age.”
Meanwhile, the Landless People’s Movement marked the day by worshipping and praising the Almighty in Rehoboth.
Walvis Bay-based Affirmative Repositioning movement activist Knowledge Ipinge defended his attendance.
“The event provided a very unique networking platform, and allowed me to address very crucial matters within the region with the relevant line ministers, executive directors and other senior government officials who I’ve been struggling to secure meetings with for over a year,” he said.