A tribute to Martin Shiimi (31 January 1975 – 1 December 2020)

One of the perennial questions that pre-occupies humans since time immemorial, is the ‘the purpose of life’.

In other words, why do we exist and what purpose do we have while we are on earth? For many people, the answer to this question is informed by personal beliefs, including one’s religious beliefs.

The question also carries the hallmarks of a philosophical question, in other words, it is a question of enquiry, for which there is no definitive, absolute and conclusive answer, but remains open to enquiry. However, one of the easier universally agreeable answers to this question is to do ‘good’ (to be good).

Our purpose on earth is to do good (to be good.) To do good is not an absolute, one-off event, that we can claim to have accomplished while we are alive. Rather, to do good and to be good, is a continuum that is birthed in the idea of a pursuance, i.e. to pursue to do ‘good’ for our entire lifespan.

And so, very often, our paths on this earth cross those of fellow human beings, who leave an indelible mark of goodness on us. Martin Shiimi made such an impression.

It was in the late 1990s when I met him, while I lived in Johannesburg. At the time, he was a post-graduate student at the University of Pretoria. I knew then, that my path had crossed that of a very special human being.

He carried a radiant smile, a deep sense of caring, a jovial spirit, kindness, humility, and respect, the measures of which are only found in literature. Many years later, our paths would cross again, at Debmarine Namibia, where he was employed in geology.

Throughout the years that we passed each other in the corridors of work, Martin consistently displayed his enviable qualities of goodness.

Martin was the epitome of human beings’ quest ‘to do good.’ In him, many of us saw a of a human being that made us assess ourselves, and realise that we can be better human beings. We can be more positive, kinder, humbler, caring and respectful to other human beings, regardless of their class, status, authority or wealth.

It is no exaggeration that the people who had the privilege to know Martin, would find it difficult to point to another human being who is kinder, humbler, more caring and more respectful of fellow human beings, than Martin was. He was an extraordinary human being, and a true gentleman by every definition.

Martin succumbed to a very short battle with cancer on 1 December 2020, and was laid to rest at his home village, Onaanda, in Omusati, on 5 December at the age of 45.

“So Maitin my dear brother, confidant, friend and highly treasured colleague, you really have lived a life that was exemplary and worthy to be followed. And those of us you leave behind, whose lives you have truly touched, can only try to keep your legacy alive. At Debmarine Namibia, you were indeed “a genuine human gem” and your name and all that you have done will without doubt remain in our minds for as long as we are privileged to grace this earth….” Godfrey Ngaisiue, Mineral Resources Manager – Debmarine Namibia.

Rest in peace dear Martin. Your task on earth, to do good and to be good, is complete with an impeccable track record. You have left a legacy that has inspired many of us to know that we can all be better human beings in pursuance to do good.

Daniel Kali, Resident Director, De Beers

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