Vice President Lucia Witbooi has highlighted that the 30th anniversary of the reintegration of Walvis Bay is more than a territorial reunification; it is a reaffirmation of Namibia's sovereignty, resilience, and collective commitment to national unity and nation-building.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Walvis Bay Integration gala dinner, Vice President Witbooi emphasized that the celebration, themed "Keeping the Namibian Economy Alive, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," serves as a fitting reminder that nation-building is an ongoing journey.
She called on Namibians to safeguard the country's past achievements, address present challenges, and lay a strong foundation for a sustainable future for generations to come.
Witbooi also highlighted that this milestone marks the culmination of persistent democratic efforts and the steadfast dedication of the country's leaders, acknowledging the role played by former President Nangolo Mbumba in the successful reclamation of Walvis Bay.
"As chief executive officer of the joint administration of the authority and chief negotiator, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba demonstrated transformative and strong leadership, securing Namibia's serenity. Over Walvis Bay, we will never forget it; in the same vein, we recognize the previous role played by the Walvis Bay joint administration of authorities established in 1992. There, this institution not only facilitated the seamless return of Walvis Bay and the offshore islands but also laid the foundation for a successful reintegration."
Also speaking at the event, Swapo stalwart Ben Amathila provided valuable historical insight into the reintegration of Walvis Bay.
He highlighted the political and diplomatic challenges faced by Namibia's leaders in ensuring the town and its offshore islands were reintegrated.
"And we left from 1990 to 1994, helping and praying that nothing would happen to give South Africa any chance to pull out and say, 'Look, you cannot get Bolle to pay.' They had all the military machinery in Belfast Bay. We knew the capacity until such time that Namibia, or rather Alfeus Bay, was reintegrated and knew that Namibia was supposed to be a landlocked country while others were sleeping. Some of us were just hoping nothing would happen to give South Africa a chance to say to help with this resolution and the leadership of the founding president. He kept us together from 1990. We bit the bullet; we kept ourselves under control. Some of us had a hint as the South Africans were negotiating with an NC. They did not want to give the course; we restrained ourselves to the max."