Cassinga Day
May 4, Sunday
Day off: May 5, Monday
Historical Background
The Cassinga massacre took place during the struggle for independence from South African rule. Cassinga was a temporary refugee camp housing thousands of Namibians, many of them women and children, and operated by the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). On May 4, 1978, the South African military launched an aerial and ground assault, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of refugees.
Estimates of how many people were killed vary, but SWAPO claims that over 600 unarmed civilians were massacred, while South African forces claimed the site was a military base. Despite differing narratives, the day remains a somber reminder of the human cost of Namibia’s fight for freedom.
How is Cassinga Day Observed?
Cassinga Day is marked by remembrance activities and official ceremonies, including:
- Wreath-laying events at Heroes' Acre and other national monuments
- Speeches by government officials and veterans of the liberation struggle
- School and community programs highlighting the history of Namibia’s independence movement
- Media broadcasts that recall the events of Cassinga and feature survivor stories
Significance to Namibians
Cassinga Day serves multiple purposes:
- Honoring the memory of those who died during the massacre
- Educating younger generations about the sacrifices made for Namibia’s freedom
- Reinforcing national identity and unity rooted in shared historical experiences
- Paying tribute to the broader liberation struggle that eventually led to independence in 1990
Controversies and Perspectives
The events at Cassinga have been a subject of controversy, especially due to conflicting reports from different sources. While the South African apartheid-era government portrayed the site as a SWAPO military base, international observers, such as the United Nations and Amnesty International, recognized the camp as mostly civilian.
Despite these differing accounts, Namibia commemorates this day as a day of mourning and remembrance, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to peace and human rights.
Cassinga Day is more than just a public holiday in Namibia; it is a solemn occasion that highlights the brutality of colonial wars and the resilience of those who fight for liberation. It plays an important role in national consciousness and reflects the continued journey toward healing and recognition of the past.