Public holiday: Namibia commemorates heroes of freedom struggle

The authorities in Namibia have been closed since 10 a.m. This was ordered by the Prime Minister's office, radio stations reported late in the morning. It should give civil servants the opportunity to prepare for tomorrow's public holiday. Namibia celebrates Heroes' Day on 26 August.

Tomorrow marks 59 years since the first direct battle between the South African army and fighters from the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) took place on the country's northern border.

The battle of Ongulumbashe on 26 August 1966 is considered the beginning of the armed struggle for freedom (more in the article on Wikipedia ). The day of remembrance has been celebrated since Namibia's independence in 1990.

This year, the official commemoration ceremony will take place in Katima Mulilo, the capital of the Zambezi region. The keynote speaker will be President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Tomorrow, one should be particularly careful when travelling on Namibia's highways. Many Namibians have taken the day off today and are returning from a short holiday or visiting relatives over the long weekend. The police are likely to set up more speed traps.

Experience shows that the B1 highway between Okahandja and the north and the B2 between Okahandja and the coast are particularly affected. On the 80 km stretch between Okahandja and Windhoek traffic is not much of an issue anymore, since it is a four-lane motorway (A1).

'Red Flag Day' in Okahandja

For the OvaHerero, 26 August has additional significance. On that day in 1923, they buried the remains of their chief Samuel Maharero in Okahandja. Since then, they have celebrated 'Red Flag Day' every year on the weekend before or after 26 August. Red is the colour of the Maharero family.

An article by Namibian.org from 2023 on the 100th anniversary commemoration provides more details.

Information on all Namibian public holidays can be found in the section 'Travel Advice'.

Sven-Eric Stender