Namibian President Hage Geingob directed all VIPs to buy their own food following the Independence Day celebrations.

State House said the President's directive was informed by the attendance at the Independence Day celebrations and the significance of the day itself.

The organizers expected about 15,000 people, but it is estimated that more than 20,000 showed up to join in the festivities.

President Geingob made the impromptu decision and ordered about a thousand VIPs in attendance to cater for themselves.