The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has encouraged learners to familiarise themselves with the country’s national symbols, as they are more than just words and images.
Dr. Peya Mushelenga was speaking at the launch of the Regional Activation of the National Symbols Campaign in the Otjozondjupa Region.
With the aim of deepening the understanding and appreciation of Namibia’s national symbols, Otjiwarongo residents, including nurses, police officers, and school learners, were part of a street parade brandishing the Namibian flag.
They marched to Vooruit Primary School, where NamPol’s community affairs officer for the region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha, explained how the national flag is hoisted and lowered.
ICT Minister Peya Mushelenga explained the significance of the national symbols.
“They carry the weight of our shared history and the promise of a brighter future. This campaign is an opportunity for us to understand the significance of the symbols. In addition, they connect us to our fellow Namibians across the country. Let us remember that the national symbols are not a property of the few; they belong to all Namibians.”
Besides the flag, the national symbols also include the coat of arms, the national seal, and the presidential standard.
The campaign is also looking at making sure that the National Anthem is sung with the utmost respect it deserves, with the regional governor urging locals to know the lyrics to the anthem rather than humming it.
“You find a whole grown Namibian born in Namibia who hasn’t been anywhere else, but instead of saying contrasting, they sing constructing Namibia, and some of the words are not even coming out. You will hear, uhmm, uhmm, Naaaaaamibia. So this campaign is about to engage you and remove you from that dark spot for you to understand what it means because, as you are singing our national anthem, it is having a sense of belonging, patriotism, pride, and that you are Namibian before anything else.”
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