Cassinga massacre

Also known as: 4 May 1978 Cassinga massacre

2023-10-072026-10-23

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Cassinga massacre

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

October 2026
20 OctWindhoek Observer
… She cited the Cassinga Massacre of 4 May 1978 and the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale as pivotal events in the region’s liberation history, linking the sacrifices made by both countries to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 435 and Namibia’s eventual indep …
NNN pushes Angola to turn 60 agreements into tangible benefits
September 2026
26 SeptInformanté
… Photos: MODVA Namibia He said the remaining one percent of work should be completed as soon as possible, particularly the display of the engraved names of victims of the Cassinga massacre. …
Cassinga Memorial Park ready for inauguration
23 SeptThe Namibian
… The memorial park honours the victims of the 4 May 1978 Cassinga massacre, where South African forces under the apartheid regime attacked Namibian refugees at the settlement. …
Cassinga Memorial Park reaches 99% completion
June 2026
14 JunThe Namibian
On 4 May last year in Geneva, Switzerland, minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel asked United Nations (UN) member states to observe a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the Cassinga Massacre. …
Are Human Rights All About Popularity?
May 2026
17 MayInformanté
… Speaking during the funeral service of the late !Gontes in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the passing of the SWAPO leader on 4 May 2026, the same day Namibia commemorated the 48th anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre, added to the nation’s grief and reflection. …
President Nandi-Ndaitwah pays tribute to late SWAPO leader Joplin !Gontes
President urges unity against corruption and nepotism
1. 5 MayWindhoek Observer
  … Speaking at the 48th commemoration of the Cassinga massacre in Outapi on Monday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the attack exposed the brutality of apartheid South Africa and strengthened Namibia’s fight for freedom. …
  Nandi-Ndaitwah stresses unity on Cassinga Day
2. 4 MayInformanté
  … Speaking at the event, Witbooi paid tribute to the victims of the Cassinga Massacre, describing it as one of the darkest chapters in Namibia’s history. …
  Vice President calls for unity and remembrance at Cassinga Day vigil
March 2026
26 MarThe Namibian
… Read about the Cassinga massacre. Read about the battle of Cuito Cuanavale. …
Statement by Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila at 36th Independence Day Celebrations at Nkurenkuru
February 2025
13 FebThe Namibian
… He would forever cherish the memories he and Nujoma shared during the struggle for independence, the Cassinga Massacre, and ultimately, Namibia’s independence, he said. …
Nujoma was unable to speak – Pohamba
12 FebThe Namibian
… They further said as founding president of Namibia, Nujoma was a pillar of national unity, nation-building, economic development and the welfare of the Namibian people. “For us survivors of the Cassinga massacre barbarically committed by the colonial apartheid regime of South Afr …
Cassinga survivors honour Nujoma

World & Region

Namibia, Angola establish Bi-National Commission for cooperation

The News

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibia and Angola to implement more than 60 bilateral agreements to deliver tangible economic and social benefits to citizens, as the two countries formally elevate cooperation to a Bi-National Commission. She prioritized joint infrastructure projects including water supply, rail connectivity, and energy security, citing the extension of Cafu Canal infrastructure and commissioning of pumping stations at Calueque as urgent priorities.

20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 20 October

Namibia, Angola establish Bi-National Commission for cooperation
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibia and Angola to implement more than 60 bilateral agreements to deliver tangible economic and social benefits to citizens, as the two countries formally elevate cooperation to a Bi-National Commission. She prioritized joint infrastructure projects including water supply, rail connectivity, and energy security, citing the extension of Cafu Canal infrastructure and commissioning of pumping stations at Calueque as urgent priorities.
20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 26 September

Cassinga Memorial Park in Angola nears inauguration readiness
Namibia and Angola's joint committee found the Cassinga Memorial Park in Angola substantially complete and ready for inauguration, with construction reported at 99 percent and remaining work including engraved victim names, coat-of-arms repairs, water supply, and fire prevention measures to be completed before the ceremony.
26 September 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 23 September

Cassinga Memorial Park nears completion after nine years
The Cassinga Memorial Park in Angola has reached 99% physical completion and is ready for inauguration, nine years after Namibia and Angola began the joint construction project. Defence and veterans affairs minister Frans Kapofi said the memorial park, which honours the victims of the 4 May 1978 Cassinga massacre where more than 900 people were killed, represents a symbol of historic solidarity between the two nations.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 14 June

UN review commends Namibia's rights progress; notes persistent concerns
During Namibia's Universal Periodic Review at the UN in May, peer countries commended progress including decriminalisation of same-sex relations and universal healthcare adoption, but raised serious concerns about high rates of gender-based violence, undermining of judicial independence, and lack of legal protection for LGBTQI+ people.
14 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 17 May

President tributes late SWAPO regional coordinator Joplin !Gontes
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to late SWAPO Party Hardap Regional Coordinator Joplin Pagley !Gontes during her funeral service, describing her as a committed leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, and dedication to the party and Namibian people. !Gontes passed away on 4 May 2026, the same day Namibia commemorated the 48th anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre, and had served in education and health sectors before becoming a SWAPO Party Regional Coordinator in 2022.
17 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 5 May

Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for unity at Cassinga Day commemoration
At the 48th commemoration of the Cassinga massacre in Outapi, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on Namibians to uphold unity and protect the country's independence, warning against corruption, nepotism and favouritism. The IPC stated that Cassinga Day should not be used for political purposes.
5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 4 May

Vice President calls for unity at Cassinga Day vigil
Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed a Cassinga Day commemoration and candlelight vigil in Gibeon, calling on Namibians to preserve unity and uphold values of the liberation struggle. She paid tribute to victims of the 1978 Cassinga Massacre, emphasizing the need to address socio-economic challenges and prevent division.
4 May 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 March

Speaker honours liberation struggle on Namibia's 36th independence day
At celebrations in Nkurenkuru, Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila commemorated Namibia's independence and the sacrifices of liberation heroes, while calling for renewed focus on socio-economic transformation, agricultural development, and inclusive growth to fulfil the vision of Vision 2030.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →