PRINCEAFRIK TV — TODAY IN AFRICAN HISTORYDecember 3, 1989 — Namibia Votes for Its Future as 70 Years of Apartheid Rule Near Their End

PRINCEAFRIK TV — TODAY IN AFRICAN HISTORY
December 3, 1989 — Namibia Votes for Its Future as 70 Years of Apartheid Rule Near Their End

🇳🇦 PRINCEAFRIK TV — TODAY IN AFRICAN HISTORY
December 3, 1989 — Namibia Votes for Its Future as 70 Years of Apartheid Rule Near Their End

📌 What Happened Before (Pre-1989 Background)

For more than 70 years, Namibia—then known as South West Africa—was controlled first by Germany (1884–1915) and then by South Africa (1915–1990).
After World War I, South Africa refused to give up the territory and instead imposed its apartheid system, denying Namibians land, rights, and political voice.

By the 1950s and 60s, Namibians had lost patience with colonial promises. Young activists such as Sam Nujoma formed the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), demanding independence and an end to South African domination.

South Africa answered with arrests, massacres, and military rule.

⚔️ The Struggle (1966–1989)

The resistance officially turned into a liberation war on 26 August 1966, when SWAPO’s armed wing, PLAN (People’s Liberation Army of Namibia), clashed with South African forces at Omugulugwombashe.

For 23 long years, guerrilla fighters operated from Angola and Zambia, while diplomats fought in the United Nations.
The war was brutal—bombings, displacement, assassinations—yet Namibians refused to bow.

International pressure eventually cornered apartheid South Africa, forcing it to accept UN Security Council Resolution 435, which demanded free elections under UN supervision.

🗳️ The Turning Point — December 3, 1989

Between 7–11 November 1989, Namibians voted in their first democratic election.

On 3 December 1989, the final results were officially declared:

SWAPO won the majority,

Sam Nujoma became the president-elect,

And the new Constituent Assembly began drafting a constitution for an independent Namibia.

This was the last major step before full independence on 21 March 1990.

🌍 The Impact

Namibia’s 1989 election transformed not only the country—but Africa’s political landscape:

Ended decades of illegal occupation and apartheid-style rule.

Produced one of Africa’s most respected constitutions, emphasizing rights, justice, and democracy.

Strengthened the belief that African liberation movements could transition into stable governments.

Inspired independence movements from Western Sahara to South Africa itself.

Namibia became a symbol of African persistence beating colonial defiance.

✊🏾 Lessons & Way Forward

Namibia teaches Africa one powerful truth:

“Freedom delayed is not freedom denied — if the people stay united.”

Key lessons:

Colonialism cannot survive a determined people.

Elections are strongest when born from struggle, not imposed by outsiders.

Africa wins when international solidarity meets internal unity.

Nation-building must prioritize reconciliation, not revenge.

As Namibia continues to grow, its journey reminds Africa to:

Protect democracy with vigilance,

Honor liberation fighters with development,

And ensure no nation lives under oppression—foreign or domestic—ever again.