The declaration of Namibia's independence in 1990 implied that Namibian people would forever live in unity and take pride in their nationhood.

The My Nationhood and National Pride Campaign Program was introduced to ensure that the spirit of unity, peace, stability, and pride will forever live on among Namibians.

With its popular slogan 'My Namibia, My Country, My Pride,' the Nationhood and National Pride Campaign was first launched in May 2011 by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The campaign was later re-launched in 2015 by President Hage Geingob with its second phase.

The aim is to instill a sense of pride and patriotism among the people of the Land of the Brave.

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is the entrusted agency to implement the campaign and ensure its success by bringing Namibians together.

"The Nationhood and National Pride Program started in 2020 and will run until 2025, where we are coming up with different activities and programs that are aimed at enhancing national pride among all Namibians," explained Shoki Kandjimi, spokesperson at MICT.

However, one is left with the question of how Namibians have reacted to this campaign so far.

"The nation has really responded well to this nationhood program, and I must say that it has achieved quite a lot of significant milestones when you look at some of the campaigns introduced under this banner, such as the male circumcision campaign, where 270 thousand men were circumcised. We also look at the Buy Namibia campaign, where Namibians are encouraged to buy locally. I must say, really, there are positive responses."

Under the campaign are a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring nationhood, pride, and patriotism for both present and future generations.

"One of the projects we are busy working on is the national symbols campaign, which wants to educate Namibians about the correct use of national symbols. We want to bring back that momentum that was there in 1990 when Namibians were singing the national anthem so patriotically."

The program has a National Strategic Framework and a five-year Implementation Plan.

It is implemented through 12 strategic pillars and objectives.

These include strengthening the national identity of Namibia, accelerating research and innovation efforts on nationhood and national pride, and intensifying the fight against all forms of crime and violence in the country.

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MICT

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July Nafuka