President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said the Genocide Remembrance Day should serve as a powerful reminder of Namibia's shared resolve to continue on the path of nation-building.

The Genocide Remembrance Day commemorates the atrocities committed between 1904 and 1908.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the significance of May 28 as honouring the resilience and bravery of Namibia's ancestors, who fought to defend their land during one of the darkest periods of history.

The President's speech was read on her behalf by Vice President Lucia Witbooi during the belated Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration at Onanyama-Omuhongo village in Ohangwena.

"Genocide Remembrance Day, which is a public holiday, should be a powerful reminder about our shared resolve to continue on the path of nation-building, reconciliation, and healing the wounds of the past."

President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that the day should remind Namibians of the enduring spirit and sacrifices made by the Ovaherero and Nama communities during the genocide of 1904-1908. 

She said Genocide Remembrance Day should also bring hope to all Namibians who seek to build a future of a prosperous Namibia.

"I encourage the affected communities and the Namibians at large to embrace Genocide Remembrance Day in the full knowledge that it builds on the joint declaration with the government of the Federal Republic of Germany."

Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa shared the reason behind the region's decision to host the Genocide Remembrance Day.

"The Ohangwena Region has seen it fit to host a belated Genocide Remembrance Day. The day is not only to educate ourselves on the crimes committed against our people but also to unite us all and create one Namibia, one nation, where we all understand our history and understand where we are coming from."