President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to working alongside fellow SADC countries to advance the region's shared developmental aspirations for the benefit of current and future generations.

In a statement to mark the Southern Africa Liberation Day, Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah called on Namibians to jealously guard the freedom and the peace enjoyed as a result of the monumental sacrifices made.

She encouraged citizens to forge ahead with renewed determination and commitment to advocate for the mutual developmental interest of the region and its people through regional unity.

The Southern African Liberation Day is observed annually in tribute and honour to the courageous heroes and heroines of the SADC region who sacrificed their lives to bring about our independence, freedom, democracy, and sovereignty.

The day also commemorates the ending of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola 36 years ago, which is described as a turning point in the region's struggle against apartheid and to liberate all of southern Africa.

''As the SADC Region commemorates the Southern Africa Liberation Day, we must honour the brave men and women whose blood sustains our freedom and the peace we enjoy today. As we celebrate this day, let us remember the bravery of the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), the Cuban internationalist forces and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) under SWAPO, ZANU-PF, the ANC, FRELIMO, and others who participated in the struggle against the apartheid regime and led to the liberation of Namibia, South Africa and the whole of Southern Africa," Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Meanwhile, SADC chairperson and President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa urged SADC citizens to remain vigilant and be alert to the emerging challenges that threaten independence and general stability.

"We must, therefore, stand in solidarity against the imposition of illegal and unwarranted sanctions, the use of coercive measures and/or any other actions that undermine our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Mnangagwa added.