2019’s fallen heroes

AS The Namibian pays tribute to those who died this year, let us do so with Japanese writer, Haruki Murakami’s words, that death is not the opposite of life but a part of it.

The list, among others, includes some of the most notable people in society.

The Ondonga community and nation at large mourned King Immanuel Elifas Kauluma after he died at Onandjokwe State Hospital in March this year. President Hage Geingob spoke of him as a man who was a fatherly figure, a friend, a sage and a man of dignity. Kauluma rose to the throne as the king of Ondonga in 1975 until his death, making him one of the longest serving kings of his kingdom.

Namibia lost its former vice president, Nickey Iyambo, to a long time illness in May. He died a day short of his 83 birthday. The president, through his spokesperson Alfredo Hengari, described Iyambo as a friend and a comrade who leaves behind a rich legacy of loyal service to the Namibian people. “Our nation has lost a man of conscience and deep humane values. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” read the presidential statement.

Mvula ya Nangolo, a veteran journalist and poet, died this year at the age of 75, following complications brought on by a stroke. Ya Nangolo’s legacy includes being Namibia’s first black journalist and a published poet. He also served as the first editor of Swapo-owned publication, Namibia Today and prior to his death, he was a special advisor to the information and communication technology minister.

A former army commander and a one time acting chief of the Namibia Defence Force, Peter Nambundunga, died at a hospital in northern Namibia. He was hailed as a hero, a good man, disciplined and an affectionate father by the likes of Niilo Taapopi (a former Plan commander), Usko Nghaamwa (Ohangwena regional governor) and lieutenant general Martin Shalli (Rtd).

Topnaar kaptein Seth Kooitjie died late in January this year after suffering from an asthma attack. At the time of his death, he was the 39th leader of his clan. The Topnaars are a sub-tribe of the Nama community. Among those who went to pay their condolences and respects were former education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa and deputy gender minister Lucia Witbooi.

When Rumpf died, president Hage Geingob said Namibia had lost an illustrious son, who was also a former ambassador to Germany and a Swapo activist. Rumpf died at Swakopmund in February. He was one of the few white Namibians who left for exile in 1984 to join Swapo in the liberation struggle. Geingob, had expressed grief via social media platform, Twitter, where he said Swapo was poorer without a freedom fighter of Rumpf’s calibre.

The 59-year-old, who was a member of the National Council, collapsed while the council was in session in May this year. He was a member of the parliament due to his position as Oshakati East’s constituency councillor. He is known as one of the country’s freedom fighters who had gone into exile back in the early 1980s. Chairperson of the National Council at the time, Margaret Mensah Williams described Kuushomwa’s legacy as one that was of service to the nation.

Popular Disc Jockey (DJ) Kelly Thompson rose to fame while working at local radio station, Radiowave since the early 1990s.

Her death came after a battle with breast cancer. She had fought through stage three and four by 2017 but succumbed to another attack in February this year. In a statement, Radiowave described Thompson as a talented woman who brought a unique flair to the office. The statement further stated that she will be sourly missed for her versatile and ready to jump in anywhere persona.

Van Staden lost his life at a tender age of 23 after falling asleep and never waking up one Sunday in March this year. He had just come from a cycling event at Lake Oanab outside Rehoboth when it happened. His team leader John Pretorius described Van Staden as a person who worked hard, was humble and a quiet person. “About a year ago we gave him the opportunity to ride for Team Kia Elite and he took it with both hands. Then he was still basically a beginner cyclist, but he worked so hard and improved so much,” said Pretorius.

This veteran NBC radio broadcaster, who died in April, had thousands of tributes flow in on all platforms including social media due to his popular show, Morning Cup of Javva show. He co-presented the show for 18 years, and together with Mario Locke and Laurika Williams, woke up the nation daily, making the show endearing to many Namibians who grew up listening to their show. The show was discontinued last year and was replaced by the breakfast express. Locke described Lategan as a person who had no worries, very cool and that Namibia would miss him, whilst Williams on her part recounted Lategan’s religious habit of buying newspapers and reading them and know what is going on before anyone else.

Known as the king of Ma/gaisa, Phura Duwe, died this year in April after a long-time illness. Damara Punch artist Damara Dik Ding said Phura would be greatly missed and that his death was shocking and saddening. The Khorixas born musician had touched the hearts of many and was described by close friend Stella, also an artist, as a person who will be remembered as the Ma/gaisa artist forever. He was buried at Khorixas.

Nyangove was a well-known senior reporter at the weekly newspaper, The Confidente, who died in October this year after suffering a kidney failure. The newspaper’s founding editor Max Hamata described Nyangove as a passionate investigative reporter who covered several beats including health and politics. Some young journalists, who grew under her guidance in the field took to social media to pay tribute to Nyangove for her mentorship and commitment.

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