Liberation movement governments under threat – Shangula
Calls for vigilance as elections approach
Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula praised the crucial role veteran medics played during the liberation war at a recent reunion.
Health minister and Swapo member Dr Kalumbi Shangula has cautioned party members to remain vigilant ahead of Namibia's crucial November presidential and National Assembly elections, amid widespread regional trends that threaten to dethrone liberation movement administrations.
Shangula made these remarks over the weekend at a former People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) medics’ reunion in Ongwediva.
Over 200 PLAN veteran medics attended the event, which was also attended by former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba as well as retired defence force chiefs Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah and Martin Shalli.
“We should never allow our revolution to be hijacked. We must understand that there is an onslaught on the former liberation movements’ administrations,” Shangula said.
“We have never been forgiven, even when you see people paying lip service that they want to help you, deep down, they are angry because we have liberated this country and now they do not have the leeway to exploit you," the health minister said.
“Remain vigilant as you have always been and we look forward to 2025 when we inaugurate a new Swapo government and its presidential candidate.”
The reunion
The reunion was hosted at the Hacienda Entertainment centre in Ongwediva and brought together veterans who said they had not seen each other for many years, prompting the event.
During his address, Shangula provided a brief history and the crucial role medics played during the liberation struggle.
“Medics in combat play an important role. They ensure that wounded and sick fighters are quickly cured, rehabilitated and return to the war, and they ensure that the strength of the combat formation remains un-depleted,” he said.
“Wounded combatants are experienced fighters and their presence in combat action is required to bolster confidence among the less experienced fighters," Shangula pointed out.
“Apart from engaging in combat action, medics have to treat the wounded fighters on the spot, evacuate them to safety and ensure follow-up medical management. On top of that, the medics are exposed to the same dangers as their fellow combatants. This includes being shot or killed."
kenya@namibiansun
Shangula made these remarks over the weekend at a former People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) medics’ reunion in Ongwediva.
Over 200 PLAN veteran medics attended the event, which was also attended by former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba as well as retired defence force chiefs Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah and Martin Shalli.
“We should never allow our revolution to be hijacked. We must understand that there is an onslaught on the former liberation movements’ administrations,” Shangula said.
“We have never been forgiven, even when you see people paying lip service that they want to help you, deep down, they are angry because we have liberated this country and now they do not have the leeway to exploit you," the health minister said.
“Remain vigilant as you have always been and we look forward to 2025 when we inaugurate a new Swapo government and its presidential candidate.”
The reunion
The reunion was hosted at the Hacienda Entertainment centre in Ongwediva and brought together veterans who said they had not seen each other for many years, prompting the event.
During his address, Shangula provided a brief history and the crucial role medics played during the liberation struggle.
“Medics in combat play an important role. They ensure that wounded and sick fighters are quickly cured, rehabilitated and return to the war, and they ensure that the strength of the combat formation remains un-depleted,” he said.
“Wounded combatants are experienced fighters and their presence in combat action is required to bolster confidence among the less experienced fighters," Shangula pointed out.
“Apart from engaging in combat action, medics have to treat the wounded fighters on the spot, evacuate them to safety and ensure follow-up medical management. On top of that, the medics are exposed to the same dangers as their fellow combatants. This includes being shot or killed."
kenya@namibiansun
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