Erongo announces commemorative plans for Nujoma
Official regional memorial at Walvis Bay
Erongo governor Neville Andre said the memorial events will allow the community to come together to celebrate the life and legacy of late founding president Sam Nujoma.
Erongo governor Neville Andre unveiled an extensive programme of commemorative events to honour late founding president Sam Nujoma, with the official regional memorial service set for 14:00 on Tuesday, 25 February, at Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Andre called on all residents to participate in the memorial events and urged employers to facilitate employees' attendance.
"The body of the late president will arrive at Walvis Bay International Airport on the same day and we urge all residents to be at the stadium on time to pay their last respects. We also call on employers to allow their employees to attend the regional memorial service and, if possible, to provide transport for them," Andre said.
He further emphasised the region’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and fitting tribute to Nujoma, noting that a special committee, consisting of both public and private sector representatives, has been established to oversee the planning and execution of the memorial arrangements.
"Dr Nujoma was not just a leader; he was the embodiment of our struggle for freedom and the architect of our nation’s independence,” the governor said.
“Let us come together as a region and as a nation to celebrate his life and legacy, ensuring that his vision for a united and prosperous Namibia lives on. It is only fitting that we honour him in a manner befitting a man of his stature, particularly in Walvis Bay, a place he was closely connected to," Andre added.
A chance for everyone
In addition to the official memorial service, a series of events have been planned across the region to allow every resident an opportunity to honour Nujoma’s legacy. Constituency memorial services will be held in each of the seven constituencies, with dates and venues to be communicated through constituency offices. Some of these services, beginning on Friday, will be led by constituency councillors.
The maritime industry will also hold a dedicated memorial service at Namport today, starting at noon. This event, coordinated by Namport, will allow members of the maritime sector to pay their last respects to the founding president.
A moment of reflection will take place on Saturday, 22 February, with processions arranged by various municipalities across different towns in the region. Later that day, memorial lights will be switched on at a commemorative event at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to symbolise Nujoma’s enduring legacy for future generations.
The church community will also hold a special interdenominational service on Sunday, 23 February, at 15:00 at the Hosiaana Parish in Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay. Andre encouraged all churchgoers to participate in this solemn occasion.
On Monday, 24 February, schools across the region will hold their own memorial services in remembrance of Nujoma, allowing young Namibians to reflect on the contributions of the country’s founding leader. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 26 February, the region will launch the construction of a statue in his honour at 10:00 at the Swakopmund municipality.
Solemn moments
The business community will hold a memorial service on Thursday, 27 February, at 18:00 at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay, where business leaders will come together to reflect on Nujoma’s contributions to Namibia’s development.
A book of condolence has been opened at the governor’s office, constituency council offices and various municipalities to allow members of the public to share messages of condolence with Nujoma’s family.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Andre called on all residents to participate in the memorial events and urged employers to facilitate employees' attendance.
"The body of the late president will arrive at Walvis Bay International Airport on the same day and we urge all residents to be at the stadium on time to pay their last respects. We also call on employers to allow their employees to attend the regional memorial service and, if possible, to provide transport for them," Andre said.
He further emphasised the region’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and fitting tribute to Nujoma, noting that a special committee, consisting of both public and private sector representatives, has been established to oversee the planning and execution of the memorial arrangements.
"Dr Nujoma was not just a leader; he was the embodiment of our struggle for freedom and the architect of our nation’s independence,” the governor said.
“Let us come together as a region and as a nation to celebrate his life and legacy, ensuring that his vision for a united and prosperous Namibia lives on. It is only fitting that we honour him in a manner befitting a man of his stature, particularly in Walvis Bay, a place he was closely connected to," Andre added.
A chance for everyone
In addition to the official memorial service, a series of events have been planned across the region to allow every resident an opportunity to honour Nujoma’s legacy. Constituency memorial services will be held in each of the seven constituencies, with dates and venues to be communicated through constituency offices. Some of these services, beginning on Friday, will be led by constituency councillors.
The maritime industry will also hold a dedicated memorial service at Namport today, starting at noon. This event, coordinated by Namport, will allow members of the maritime sector to pay their last respects to the founding president.
A moment of reflection will take place on Saturday, 22 February, with processions arranged by various municipalities across different towns in the region. Later that day, memorial lights will be switched on at a commemorative event at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to symbolise Nujoma’s enduring legacy for future generations.
The church community will also hold a special interdenominational service on Sunday, 23 February, at 15:00 at the Hosiaana Parish in Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay. Andre encouraged all churchgoers to participate in this solemn occasion.
On Monday, 24 February, schools across the region will hold their own memorial services in remembrance of Nujoma, allowing young Namibians to reflect on the contributions of the country’s founding leader. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 26 February, the region will launch the construction of a statue in his honour at 10:00 at the Swakopmund municipality.
Solemn moments
The business community will hold a memorial service on Thursday, 27 February, at 18:00 at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay, where business leaders will come together to reflect on Nujoma’s contributions to Namibia’s development.
A book of condolence has been opened at the governor’s office, constituency council offices and various municipalities to allow members of the public to share messages of condolence with Nujoma’s family.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article