REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
16 JANUARY 2015
RUNDU,
KAVANGO-EAST
REGION
*Check Against Delivery
Director of Ceremonies,
Honourable Nahas Angula,
Defence,
Honourable Ministers,
Minister
of
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Major-General John Mutwa, Chief of the
Defence Force,
Honourable Govenor of Kavango-East Region,
Honourable Governors,
Your Worship the Mayor of Rundu Town,
Generals and Senior Officers,
Distinguished Invited Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed my honour as Commander-in-Chief
of the Namibian Defence Force to stand here
this morning, not only to officiate at the Passing
Out Parade of the 7th Intake of the Regular
Commissioning Course, but to also address our
soon-to-be commissioned Officers. This is
indeed one of the proudest days of their careers
in the Defence Force.
The Passing Out Parade and Graduation
Ceremony, which we are witnessing here today
is the second of its kind, since I assumed office
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as President and Commander-in-Chief of the
Namibian Defence Force.
I am pleased to state that the training
programme is being implemented in terms of a
Bilateral Agreement between the Republic of
Zimbabwe and the Republic of Namibia, which
was signed in 2003. That Agreement has paved
the way for the harmonization of syllabi by the
training teams from Namibia and the
Zimbabwe Military Training Team (ZMTT).
This is another demonstration of the continued
strengthening of historic bilateral ties between
our two countries. I, therefore, take this
opportunity to extend my warm appreciation to
His Excellency President Robert Mugabe, and
to the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe for
their continued support to Namibia in different
areas.
Director of Ceremonies,
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I am informed that the course, which started on
14 October 2013, had enlisted 53 Cadets from
different Services of the NDF, namely, the
Army, the Air Force and the Navy. I am
concerned that out of 53 cadets, only eight are
women.
It is my wish and that of our
Government to see more women joining the
Cadet training programme and subsequently
the Officer Corps of the Defence Force. I want
to see more women become commanders and
staff officers within the structures of our armed
forces.
Dear Graduates,
You went through 17 months of grueling
training. Hard work has paid off. Now, you
stand here today, having earned the title as
officers and leaders in our Defence Force.
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As you take up your new responsibilities,
remember that the friends you have made at
the Military School are friends for life.
As armed forces around the world combat
complex global threats, we need to build
partnerships regionally and across the world.
There will be many opportunities for you to
strengthen those bonds, as you are expected to
serve your country with loyalty and
professionalism, both at home and abroad.
I can see the pride on your faces, as you are
being commissioned today. I can also see pride
on the faces of your instructors, who recognized
in you that spark of potential, that fighting
spirit, those qualities that make a soldier and
shape a leader, and who were determined to get
you where you are today. We owe them an
enormous debt of gratitude. Also looking on
are your families, who were always there with a
comforting word on days when you had doubts
whether to continue pursuing a career in the
Namibian Defence Force or not.
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Only those within a military household can
truly understand the demands such a life
imposes. However, relatives should remember
that as their loved ones are joining their
regiments, they will be joining our wider family
of armed forces. Our officer cadets, however,
are our focus today. For you, another exciting
journey has begun.
Director of Ceremonies,
The continued peace and stability that we enjoy
as a nation should be sustained and guarded at
all times. This is possible as our Government
has created a conducive environment for the
effective operations of our Defence Force as
well as capacity building and development of
our officers, men and women, through training
programmes such as this one.
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Namibia’s
continued
participation
in
peacekeeping and peace support operations
around the world demonstrates the role our
country plays and will continue to play in
promoting global peace and security.
In such a world, there is of course, a role for
soft power, and for the smart power that some
have advocated. However, it should be noted
that there is no substitute for hard power when
we have to fight to keep peace, uphold the rule
of law and keep Namibia safe. I am confident
that you will rise to this challenge.
You have been chosen by your country to lead
your fellow men and women, and there is no
greater honour that your country can bestow
upon any of its citizens, than defending and
protecting Namibia’s interests.
In this context, our Government will continue
to provide the necessary support to our armed
forces.
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We will continue ensuring that the best
equipment and facilities are placed at your
disposal in the discharge of your duties, at
home and abroad in line with the UN and AU
Charters. Namibia is proud that for 25 years,
our Defence Force has educated excellent
commanders. We see this this glory reflected in
you.
Dear Graduates,
On 21st March 2015, I will hand-over the reigns
of power to my successor, the President-elect
and Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia
Comrade Hage Geingob, in a smooth transition
of power. New Members of Parliament will
also be sworn in. This transition, which is in
line with the precepts of our Supreme Law, the
Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, is one
of the cornerstones of democratic governance
and the rule of law in our country.
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As you leave this parade ground today, the
nation is assured that you are well prepared as
any of the generations before you, ready to
write the next chapter in your lives.
Go out there and become exemplary leaders
and mentors worthy of the traditions of this
great organization, the Namibian Defence Force
and of your great country, Namibia. Wherever
you go, work hard to make your family and
your regiment, your Defence Force and your
country proud at all times.
Just as our forebears and subsequent
generations fought against colonial occupation
leading to the attainment of our freedom and
independence, you must jealously guard and
defend the values of freedom and democracy.
Congratulations, and may you all achieve the
success you deserve.
I thank you.