Authorities in Namibia will remain closed tomorrow. Because on 26 August 2026, Namibia celebrates its Heroes' Day. 60 years ago tomorrow the armed struggle to liberate Namibia from South African rule began.
On 26 August 1966, the first battle between the South African Army and the South West Africa People's Organisation took place. The Battle of Ongulumbashe on the country's northern border is considered the beginning of the armed freedom struggle (more in the article on Wikipedia).
The memorial day has been celebrated since Namibia's independence in 1990. The official commemoration will take place this year at the 'Heroes' Acre' memorial on the southern exit of Windhoek.
The motto is 'Built on Bravery, Bound for a Prosperous Future'. Keynote speakers are President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Vice President Lucia Witbooi.
Self-driving Namibia visitors should be particularly careful on Namibia's highways tomorrow and Sunday. Many Namibians take off the bridge days on Thursday and Friday, thus extending the weekend for a short vacation or to visit relatives.
The trunk roads B1 Okahandja towards the north and the B2 Okahandja towards the coast are usually particularly affected by traffic. The police are likely to set up more speed traps.
In the 'Travel Advice' section you can find information about all of Namibia's public holidays.
Heroes' Acre memorial with statue of freedom struggle leader and Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma south of Windhoek. Photo: Sven-Eric Stender