Namibia Heroes Day

Namibia Heroes Day

August 26

The Republic of Namibia, formerly South West Africa, is the 31st largest country in the world. There are 13 named regions in Namibia.
For over 100 years, Namibia was under oppressive occupation—first by the Germans, starting in 1884, and then by the Afrikaners of South Africa, starting in 1920. During both the German and South African occupations, the Namibian people lost rights to their land, minerals, and resources. Many were forced to work as indentured laborers or work on white-owned farms.
In 1946, the United Nations declared Namibia a trust territory, giving the country rights of self-determination, but South Africa was not willing to give up control. As the apartheid system of segregation spread across South Africa, Namibia was also affected. In 1966, the United Nations officially dissolved South Africa's authority over Namibia, but South Africa ignored this action and continued to rule Namibia.
August 26, 1966, marked the start of nearly 30 years of violence in Namibia. On this day, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) attacked a group of forces from the South African Colonial Apartheid regime at Ongulumbashe. For the next 24 years, the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South African Colonial Apartheid regime were at war. On March 21, 1990, Namibia officially gained independence from South Africa.
To honor those who lost their lives fighting for national freedom, Namibia has designated August 26 as Heroes' Day. On this day, thousands of Namibians gather at Ongulumbashe to celebrate. During this full day of celebration, representatives from all 13 regions give performances and cultural presentations, including traditional praise songs and dances. In addition, there is a re-enactment of the battle of Ongulumbashe, which concludes with the raising of the Namibian flag in the same manner as the real fighters did after each triumph during the war.
In Namibia's capital city of Windhoek, the Heroes' Acre national monument was erected to honor the freedom fighters.

CONTACTS:
Republic of Namibia
www.grnnet.gov.na
Namibia-1on1.com
www.namibia-1on1.com

Celebration day: Aug 26