Windhoek residents should expect artillery gunshots on Saturday – Defense Ministry

Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has issued a precautionary advisory to the residents of Windhoek regarding the significant noise produced by artillery gunshots on Saturday, during the commemoration of Heroes’ Day.

“Take note: on Heroes’ Day, the Windhoek community and adjacent localities should expect to hear 21 artillery gunshots, symbolising the 21-Gun Salute. The public is hereby notified not to panic at the sound of simulated firing of military weapons,” said the ministry.

The 21-gun salute is a ceremonial military honour performed when 21 artillery shots are fired. This is an annual tradition on Heroes’ Day, commemorating the fallen of the Namibian War for Independence which began on 26 August 1966 at Omugulugwombashe.

---

In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly invalidated South Africa’s authorization to govern the South-West African territory, instead placing it under direct administration by the UN. South Africa declined to accept this decision.

During that period, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) prepared for armed opposition and established its military branch, known as the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), in 1962. While many of its leaders were in exile, PLAN initiated efforts to secretly enter the northern region of Namibia for the purpose of establishing training facilities.

Among these training sites was Omugulugwombashe, which was established in June 1966 under the direction of PLAN commander, the late John Ya Otto Nankudhu. Nankudhu’s group had just begun constructing defensive installations and had intentions to provide training for approximately 90 soldiers at that location.

On August 26, 1966, a squadron of eight helicopters from the South African Defence Force launched an assault on guerrilla fighters stationed at Omugulugwombashe. This event is commonly acknowledged as the inaugural armed conflict of the War for the Liberation of Namibia.

In anticipation of Heroes’ Day, members of the defence force dedicated their day to thorough preparations at the Independence Stadium for the upcoming commemorative event.