Namibia will observe its 33rd Heroes Day on August 26th, commemorating those who lost their lives in the war of independence, which was launched in 1966 at Omugulugwombashe.

nbc News Reporter Luqman Cloete and Camera Operator Simon Isaak interviewed a former sports personality to gain insight into what Heroes Day signifies to them.

"Heroes Day, we know that Heroes Day is a significant date for Namibia where the struggle started, and that struggle was rude and gruesome, but in the long end, I think we reached the fruits of independence and unity," said sports coach Wolfgang Cloete, while emphasising the importance of recognising and paying tribute to the heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice for the welfare of the nation and its people.

A former footballer who has transitioned into sports coaching, Cloete highlights the substantial progress that sports in the ||Kharas Region have achieved since Namibia gained independence 33 years ago.

"I think pre-independence there were these violent issues also; if you win against that team, there were grudges, but I think after independence all these things were solved, so I think nowadays sport is and should be a tool for change, change of mindset, change of attitudes, and to make friends."

As a retired teacher, Cloete proposed that Namibia prioritise investment in a kids' athletics programme to foster the expansion of sports.

"Kids take part in all events; they don't get exhausted, and there is no involvement where you can get hurt, and it is also based on principles or disciplines of athletics, such as running, jumping, or throwing."