Remembering the Cassinga Massacre

Musa Zimunya
WINDHOEK, 18. APR – On the 4th May 2018, Namibians will gather at the Heroe’s Acre to commemorate the dreadful day the South African Apartheid regime attacked the Cassinga Refugee Camp, killing thousands of Namibian Civilians. On that fateful day, hundreds of Angolans were also killed in the crossfire, while many Cuban internationalists who were attempting to come to the rescue of Namibian civilians were also killed.

“As we pay tribute to these heroes and heroines, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that has brought about our freedom and independence, the Government of the Republic of Namibia has decided to commemorate this Anniversary at the National level at Heroes Acre, on 4th May 2018,” said Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of International Relations, Honourable Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in a statement today.

She said this year, Angola’s new President, His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço had accepted to pay a visit that will also see him participate in the commemorations.

“In solidarity with the Namibian people in commemorating this tragic day in the history of the Namibian struggle, His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, has graciously accepted the invitation of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, to pay a State Visit to Namibia from 3 to 5 May 2018, and participate in the commemoration 40th Anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre.”

During the Commemoration, the President of Angola will lay a Wreath at Heroes Acre and participate as Guest of Honour at the Commemoration.

“As a nation, we will always remember the Namibian heroes and heroines who lost their lives during the attack on Cassinga and Vietnam Camps. These massacres will remain sacred in the collective national memory of present and future generations,” she said.

She extended an invite to survivors and other Namibians to attend the national Commemoration.

“As we pay tribute to our heroes and heroines who perished in Cassinga, the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation would like to invite all Cassinga survivors and other fellow Namibians to attend the national Commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Cassinga Massacre in Windhoek on May 4th.”

musa@namibiadailynews.info