By Kaundjire Humbu
Following the recent exhumation and reburial of the remains of Namibians who died during the country’s bitter armed liberation struggle and the subsequent awarding of national hero honours on Heroes Day, calls are mounting for a review of the recognition criteria to include those who did not fight for the nation’s independence.
This comes hot on the heels of the conferment of national hero status on 16-year-old Cornelius Tulotokela Shimuwaafeni, who was honoured for his bravery after risking his life to rescue nine-month-old twins who had allegedly been thrown into a water pond by their mother earlier this year.
Shimuwaafeni, from Omutundungu village in the Omusati Region, was honoured by President Ne- tumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Heroes Day.
The recognition came with a monetary award of N$200,000.
Shimuwaafeni reportedly told those who questioned what he would have done had the children died: “I was going to die with them.”
The teenager’s actions have been widely praised as an example of selfless courage, while his recognition has prompted a broader debate about what constitutes heroism in an independent Namibia.
In her Heroes’ Day address, Nandi-Ndaitwah described Shimuwaafeni as a living example of courage, noting that he acted without knowing that his actions would later attract national recognition.
This gesture sparked calls for Namibia to broaden and review the criteria used to recognise national heroes and heroines.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said his actions raised an important question about who should be regarded as a hero in today’s Namibia.
She acknowledged that during the liberation struggle, heroism was often associated with resisting colonial rule, enduring imprisonment, going into exile and taking up arms.
However, she argued that the challenges facing the country today require a different under- standing of national service and sacrifice.
“Must someone perform an extraordinary act before we recognise the hero among us?” Nandi-Ndaitwah questioned.
The head of state pointed to ordinary Namibians whose contributions may never attract national attention, including teachers who support struggling learners, nurses who continue serving patients despite demanding conditions, farmers producing food amid drought, entrepreneurs creating employment and public servants who uphold integrity.
“These actions may never receive medals or make newspaper headlines, but they all serve the Republic of Namibia and her people,” she noted.
The sentiments have been reinforced by the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), which has called for a review of the criteria governing national recognition.
NEFF deputy president and member of parliament Kalimbo Iipumbu said national honours should extend beyond the liberation struggle and recognise exceptional contributions in areas including education, science, medicine, sport, culture, human rights, business and the environment.
He called on government and parliament to establish a transparent recognition framework based on exceptional service, sacrifice, integrity and lasting impact on the country and its people, rather than political affiliation.
Iipumbu also stressed that recognising contemporary heroes should not diminish the contribution of liberation heroes.
Instead, Iipumbu argued, Namibia should develop a system capable of honouring both those who fought for independence and those contributing to the country’s development today.
He further called for a national platform to discuss the meaning of heroism in modern Namibia, arguing that such a conversation could help preserve the country’s history while ensuring that present-day contributions are not overlooked.
Social activist Saddam Amushelelo also welcomed the decision, describing Shimuwaafeni’s actions as courage, sacrifice and heroism. He said the recognition sends a message to young Namibians that they do not need wealth, power or a position to make a difference.
Shimuwaafeni’s recognition has also received international attention, and the United States Embassy in Namibia congratulated the teenager, saying his actions demonstrated that “real courage is measured by action”.
