Our history
The words are the Party’s own, from Article 1(2) of its Constitution. What follows is the road from a workers’ organisation in 1959 to the independence of Namibia on 21 March 1990.
The movement that would become SWAPO takes shape among contract workers.
The Ovamboland People's Organisation is formed to oppose the contract labour system. On 10 December 1959, residents of Windhoek's Old Location are shot during protests against forced removal — a turning point that hardened the case for organised national resistance.
01 Jan 1959
On 19 April 1960 the organisation is reconstituted with a national mandate.
The South West Africa People's Organisation is founded, broadening the movement beyond its origins into a national liberation organisation with the independence of the whole territory as its object.
19 Apr 1960
26 August 1966 — Omugulugwombashe. Namibia marks the date as Heroes' Day.
After peaceful and diplomatic avenues were exhausted, the armed struggle began at Omugulugwombashe. The date is commemorated annually in Namibia as Heroes' Day.
26 Aug 1966
The United Nations General Assembly recognises SWAPO as authentic representative of the Namibian people.
The recognition gave the liberation movement standing in international forums and shifted the diplomatic ground of the independence question.
12 Dec 1973
The internationally agreed framework for Namibian independence.
Resolution 435 set out the plan for a transition to independence through United Nations supervised elections. More than a decade passed before it was implemented.
29 Sep 1978
November 1989 — Namibians vote for a Constituent Assembly under United Nations supervision.
The Constituent Assembly elected in November 1989 drafted the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, adopted unanimously in February 1990.
11 Nov 1989
21 March 1990. The Republic of Namibia takes its place among free nations.
Namibia became independent on 21 March 1990. The SWAPO Party Constitution records the Party as "born and steeled in the crucible of a popular and heroic struggle for national independence" (Article 1(2)).
21 Mar 1990
The Party organises from the Section upward, in every region of Namibia. Membership is open to every citizen of eighteen and above.