Namibia | Ombudsman celebrates 30 years of the Namibian Constitution

The 9th of February 2020 marked 30 years since the adoption of the Namibian Constitution. This year’s anniversary is all the more special as it coincides with the country’s 30th independence anniversary to be observed on 21 March. The Ombudsman celebrated Constitution Day across six different regions, with the main event held at the Dawid Bezuidenhout High School Windhoek.

Celebrations followed in Southern Namibia, at the Suiderlug High School in Keetmanshoop. Otjiwarongo Secondary School, Gabriel Taapopi Secondary School, ST Kizito College and Coastal High School in Swakopmund all hosted grade 12 learners from different schools in their respective regions to commemorate the event. The event was celebrated with grade 12 learners in order to create awareness about the constitution amongst the young people, who will soon be navigating the world as young adults.

Members of the founding Constituent Assembly addressed the learners across the regions and reiterated the importance of taking pride in the constitution and that each and every right enshrined in the Constitution comes with a responsibility from them, as citizens. The Ombudsman reiterated the sentiments stating that citizens lack a sense of pride in the constitution. And that they are responsible for fulfilling many of the rights enshrined in the constitution.

Learners participated in a poem competition with the theme, what the Constitution means to me. Learners submitted well written thought- provoking poems and walked away with exciting prizes.

Source: Ombudsman Namibia