Over 100 liberation struggle veterans attended the commemoration of Cassinga Day at Okongo in the Ohangwena Region.

The commemoration was, among others, attended by First Gentleman Denga Ndaitwah, Ohangwena Governor Sebastian Ndeitunga, Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi, and a member of the Swapo Party Politburo, Sisa Namandje.

Speaking at the event, Namandje said Namibia should not forget the brave combatants and innocent people who were killed at Cassinga in Angola during Namibia's struggle for independence.

He called for a united, peaceful, and consultative public discourse to honour the memories of those who had died.

Namandje also spoke about the recognition of the former South West African Police as war veterans.

"It's a fact. Somebody was cooperating with the makakunya and is now smiling to the bank every month, being paid as a veteran. Our people will never be happy with this; our people who died in Cassinga will never be happy to hear stories like this. The best way to honour and remember the Cassinga victims is to continue developing our country."

Ohangwena Governor Sebastian Ndeitunga, known by his combat name Haitota ya Kalola, says the memories of the days leading up to the attack on Cassinga, as well as the aftermath, are still vivid.

He narrated how they drove around the camp after the attack, counting bodies.

16 Cubans who were assisting Namibians also died during the attack.

"As you entered the camp, you could see the dead bodies of little children. They were told if there was ever an attack, run to the trenches, and they did, but the enemies threw grenades there, killing them. It was really sad to witness, and it just gave us renewed strength to fight the enemy and gain control of Namibia."

Ndeitunga said Namibians should never tire of hearing the country's history nor mock the public holidays aimed at paying homage to fallen heroes and heroines.

A Cassinga massacre survivor, Hileni Shimana-Hailonga, who was 18 years old at the time of the attack, said she did not have any military training at the time and attributed her survival to God.

She said her sibling died that day, adding that "Witnessing that bloodbath was horrific and is still vividly fresh in our minds. After the attack, I was temporarily deaf. It was scary for us at the time. Let us never stop commemorating this day even after all the survivors have departed from this earth."

Shimana-Hailonga called on Namibians to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom.