President Nandi-Ndaitwah vows to remember Oshakati bomb victims - nbc

Описание: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed that the victims of the 1988 bomb blast at the then Barclays Bank in Oshakati, will never be forgotten.

 The president paid tribute to the 27 victims during a remembrance ceremony of the events dating back to 19 February 1988, held in Ongwediva on Sunday. 

In a message read on her behalf, she said the pain, loss, and sacrifices made in the fight for freedom, justice, and dignity will be remembered for generations to come.

 She reiterated that Namibia's freedom did not come on a silver platter and must be guarded at all costs.

 “To the families who lost their loved ones: your grief became part of Namibian history. Your strength became part of our nation's resilience. The pain you carried was not in vain. The bloodshed on that day nourished the tree of independence that we enjoy today. To the survivors who continue to live with physical and emotional scars, we honor your courage. You are living witnesses to history. Your stories must be told, preserved, and passed on to future generations.”

 Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge was instrumental in ensuring that the dilapidated tombstone was revamped to honour those who died on the day.

“We do not forget the mothers who lost children and the children who lost parents. We do not forget the brave and innocent souls whose lives were taken that day. Today's unveiling of this tombstone is more than a ceremonial act. It is a restoration of dignity. It is a reaffirmation that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and innocent victims shall forever be remembered with honour.”

Survivors of the blast lamented that they continue to live with the trauma but is also pleased that the day is being remembered, especially after the now First National Bank of Namibia stopped hosting the commemorations five years ago.

They also expressed their satisfaction for the victims who have a tombstone erected in their honour but called on the government to remember the survivors, as they need support.

Many of them have lost their jobs due to various injuries sustained and are now heavily burdened by rising medical costs.

One survivor, Toivo Herman shared his story.

“As we honor those who lost their lives, we must also remember that for nearly four decades, many families and survivors still struggle without adequate support. True remembrance must go beyond speeches and words. It must include meaningful steps towards fair compensation.”

Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, SWAPO Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, and various high-ranking government officials joined the survivors, family, and members of the public in remembrance of that fateful day in 1988.