Independence jubilee

Lioner Valombola

As a young person, I will not be celebrating Independence Day because we are wasting a lot of money that could be invested into useful resources. Yes, 30 years of independence is a milestone but if my generation still faces huge challenges the government is struggling to address, why bother at all?

Sakeus Likuwa

I both understand and appreciate the importance of the day, but do we really need to spend a huge sum of money to prove our freedom? The nation is depressed due to lack of funds when it comes to things such as health issues and the government is more concerned about spending to celebrate freedom fighters. So, as a young person, Independence Day is off my list.

Diana Garoes

Learning materials in Namibian government schools are limited and there is a huge gap that needs to be filled. If only the government can use some of these funds to close this gap, then I would be interested in celebrating independence. If spending massive amounts on independence is vital, then so is education.

Junias Sem

I don’t think Independence Day should be celebrated because of the way they celebrate it is not for any good cause. They spend millions of dollars on the celebration just to impress foreigners when they come here for the celebration, while the country is facing so many economic crises.

Tasha //Höebes

No, I won't be celebrating independence. Yes, there’s a painful past but it remains part of our national truth and I understand it should be honoured. If the past is more important that the present, we might as well look forward to a broken future. Honouring the heroes does not mean spending a lot of money, whatever happened to simple things mattering too?

Fillipus Gideon

Independence Day is a very important day as it is a day we were freed from colonialism. People were being mistreated under colonial rule and that is why it is an important day as it was the end of oppression and we received rights to be treated fair.

Walles Uirob

This day is the only day in the year that we can reflect and appreciate the people who died so that you and I can have a safe place to call home. It is only right to celebrate the values that Namibia was founded upon, no matter the amount of money spent, it is worth celebrating.

Arnold Songo

Independence Day should be celebrated because it is history and it should always be cherished. This is the day to remember our late grandparents. It also provides an educational platform for the younger generation and for the children yet to be born.

Jasmyn Otto

No, I won’t be celebrating Independence Day at all. That money can be used for more vital stuff and addressing issues such as how we should look more to how likely we are to survive economic crises, leadership succession and opposition challenges without suffering debilitating effects.

Haufiku Tuwilika

The country has been going through economic strains. I feel that a million is a huge amount to spend it all in one day while we have learners without textbooks and not enough hostel accommodation for public schools.

Vicky Mokaxwa

Throughout last year, corruption played a huge role in money loss and job losses in the country. I think it is worth celebrating 21 March, but at a very low cost. This money can be used to tackle youth unemployment.

Lahya Petrus

“There is no money.” This is the statement the government uses when asked to address certain issues and yet the same people are willing to spend over a million in a day for an independence celebration. Where does the money come from now?