President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibians, especially the youth, to take up the second phase of the national struggle and a responsibility to honour the sacrifices of liberation heroes by contributing to the country's economic development.

Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah made the remarks while visiting the home of the late liberation icon Helao Shityuwete, where she reflected on his contribution to Namibia's liberation struggle.

She recalled that Shityuwete was among the combatants who formed part of the groups sent to open the northern front during the armed liberation struggle and who were later arrested.

The President said the sacrifices made by the liberation generation should serve as a lesson to the current generation, particularly young Namibians.

She said Namibia's struggle has now shifted from achieving political independence to attaining economic liberation.
The head of state added that the best way to honour liberation heroes and veterans is through collective efforts to build a prosperous and economically independent Namibia.

"Ours is no longer a fight for independence. Independence is here. And the question is, those who are leaving us, like Comrade Shityuwete, are looking to see that we have left this independence in good hands. And we must make sure that the answer will be yes. They have left their independence in good hands. And what we have to do now is to ensure the economic liberation of our country."

The President cautioned against blame and division, saying these do not contribute to national progress.

"So I'm therefore asking the Namibian people, especially the youth, that in the current generation, the only way we can really mourn our heroes, our veterans, and to pay respect to them, and to say appreciation, is when we work together. And eliminate the poverty in our countries, create jobs, and then let everyone really be feeling safe in an independent Namibia."

Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged that there are many challenges, but said the liberation fighters also faced difficulties and still pressed on.
Expressing her condolences to the family, the president urged the youth to learn from the generation of Shityuwete who sacrificed for Namibia's freedom.