Daniel Tjongarero Jr - named after his departed father - raised eyebrows and had the brief satisfaction of hearing the crowd gasp in bewildered surprise when he made the statement during the official inauguration of New Era's new headquarters, known as Daniel Tjongarero House.

He first expressed his gratitude, and that of his family, to New Era and the Namibian Government for bestowing the honour on his departed father.

But then he dropped the bombshell when he said: "Let me be honest and say that if there is one big aspect which gives me enormous pain, it's the fact that some of those who were against Independence, those who were on the side of the enemy and were the greatest informants and indirectly caused the death of our beloved husband and father, are today so-called honourables occupying high-ranking positions, some even managing directors and chief executive officers of big companies.

That is the pain with which especially my mother will go to her grave."

Tjongarero Jr made the statement in the presence of President Sam Nujoma, Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab, Information Minister Nangolo Mbumba and many prominent business people who came to witness the inauguration of Daniel Tjongarero House.

He said these words as his mother Agnes Tjongarero sat there next to Minister Mbumba, tears welling up in her eyes.

Tjongarero Jr said of his father: "He had his adversaries, mostly out of professional jealousy, but of his many admirable characteristics, honesty and his willingness to forgive, epitomised everything that he was.

The void left by the loss of his exemplary leadership and people's skill will indeed be a challenge to fill, this emptiness will especially affect the youth".

But he said his family realises and recognises that Daniel Tjongarero was not the only one who suffered for the independence of Namibia.

"We recognise that there were many others.

We salute them too," Tjongarero Jr said.

- Nampa

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