On the eve of her 66th birthday anniversary celebrated on Tuesday, Confidente caught up with SWAPO Secretary General, Sophia Shaningwa, who candidly reflected of her six decades on earth including future plans. 
Confidente (C): As you witness yet another important day in your life, the entire Confidente Newspaper team wishes you a happy and blessed 66th birthday. Sophia Shaningwa (SH): My dear Namibian family, comrades, and the esteemed Confidente Newspaper team, I am deeply touched by your warm wishes and the love you have shown me on this momentous occasion of my 66th birthday. To stand here, at this milestone, surrounded by the spirit of our beloved Namibia, is a blessing I hold close to my heart. Your thoughtful questions fill me with gratitude, and I am honoured to share my reflections with you, softly yet passionately, as we journey together in this beautiful struggle for a better tomorrow.

C: How do you plan on celebrating your special day which marks six decades on earth?
SH: This 66th birthday is a quiet moment of gratitude for me. I plan to spend it surrounded by family, comrades, and the heartbeat of our SWAPO Party, reflecting on the journey and giving thanks for the strength to serve. I will join my community in prayer, sharing simple moments of joy, perhaps with a humble meal and laughter, as we celebrate not just my life but the collective spirit of our nation. I also hope to visit a local school or community project, to connect with our youth and listen to their dreams, for they are the fire of our future.

C: Having reached this milestone, what has been some of your most memorable moments to date?
SH: Oh, where do I begin? My heart swells with memories of our liberation struggle. Those days in exile, training with the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia and carrying the weight of our people’s hopes. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with comrades, we fought not just for freedom but for dignity. I will never forget the day Namibia gained independence in 1990. The tears, the pride, the unity as our flag rose. Serving as a governor, a minister, and now as SWAPO’s Secretary-General. I cherish the moments when I saw a community receive clean water or a child smile because of a new school, but most precious are the quiet times.

C: How do you view your immense contribution to the development of the political, governance and social sectors of the Namibian society?

SH: I see my contributions as a single thread in the vibrant tapestry of Namibia’s story, woven by countless hands. In the political arena, I have strived to uphold SWAPO’s vision of unity and progress, from the battlefields of liberation to the halls of governance. As a governor and minister, I worked to bring development closer to our people through housing, sanitation, and land for those who need it most. My heart has always been with the social sectors, ensuring no one is left behind, especially our rural communities. I am proud of moments like the push to formalize informal settlements, a dignified step for our people. Yet, I know my work is only meaningful because of the collective spirit of Namibians who inspire me daily.

C: At 66 years, what are your future plans in the political, professional and personal life?
At 66, my fire for service burns brighter than ever. Politically, I remain committed to SWAPO, strengthening our unity and ensuring we deliver on our promises to the Namibian people. I will continue mentoring our youth, urging them to lead with integrity and courage. Professionally, I want to focus on empowering communities through sustainable projects such as reviving the green schemes, improving food security, and ensuring every Namibian has a place to call home. Personally, I dream of more time with my family, nurturing my grandchildren, and tending to a small garden where I can reflect on life’s blessings. Above all, I want to live each day with purpose, serving with a soft heart and a welcoming spirit.

C: Can we expect an autobiography or memoir in the near future?
SH: Smiling warmly, Oh, you have touched on a dream I have quietly held. I have lived through moments that shaped our nation, and I feel a responsibility to share those stories. Not for my glory, but to honour our collective struggle. An autobiography or memoir is something I am considering, perhaps to weave together the lessons of exile, leadership, and love for Namibia. It would be a story of resilience, told softly, to inspire our youth. While it is not yet on paper, I promise to start gathering those memories soon, so our children know the sacrifices that built this nation.

C: What are some of the wisdoms that you wish to share with the Namibian people, in particular the youth? 
To my beloved Namibian people, especially our youth, I offer this wisdom from my heart, never underestimate the power of unity and respect. Our freedom was won through collective sacrifice, not individual glory. Embrace your roots, honour your elders, and speak with kindness, even in disagreement. To the youth, I say, you are not just the future, you are the now. Work hard, educate yourselves, and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big. Independence means responsibility, grow your own food, build your own communities, and protect the gains of our liberation. Above all, love Namibia fiercely, for she is yours to shape.

C: Any last message on your special day?
SH: As I stand at 66, my heart is full of love for you, my Namibian family. Thank you for walking this journey with me, for trusting me to serve, and for teaching me what resilience means. On this special day, I recommit to you, to listen, to lead with humility, and to fight for a Namibia where every child can dream without limits. Let us hold hands, stay united, and honour the legacy of our heroes like Comrade Sam Nujoma by building a nation of peace and prosperity. Happy birthday to us all, for we are one! Thank you, Confidente, for your love and light.