Cassinga Day is a significant public holiday in Namibia which is observed on the 4th of May every year. This day is deeply ingrained in the history and hearts of the Namibian people as it commemorates one of the most brutal atrocities of the Namibian War of Independence. The focus of the day centers around the Cassinga Massacre, also known as the Kassinga Massacre, that took place on May 4, 1978, and holds an important place in the countries struggle for liberation.
On this day in 1978, the South African Defence Force launched an airborne attack on Cassinga, a refugee camp in southern Angola that was housing around 6000 Namibian refugees many of whom were women and children. This military strike resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and the injury and displacement of many more. Owing to its severe nature, the incident earned global condemnation and has since come to symbolize the ruthless apartheid regime and its impacts. Today, the Namibians take this day to remember the victims of this grave incident and the price paid for their liberation struggle.
Cassinga Day marks a time of both mourning and celebration for the Namibian people. To commemorate this day, they participate in a national wreath-laying ceremony and observe a moment of silence to honor the lives lost in the massacre. The day is also used to promote peace, bravery, patriotism, and unity among the Namibian people. Cassinga Day serves as a stark reminder of the past to ensure that history does not repeat itself while also celebrating the resilience and bravery of those who fought for the freedom of Namibia.