The news of your sudden death found me at the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup at Keetmanshoop, a moment that will forever remain etched in pain and disbelief.
Just a few days ago, we shared the floor in parliament, unknowingly witnessing your final contribution in the august House. Those moments now replay with a heavy heart, as we come to terms with the loss of a comrade, a leader, and a remarkable human being.
James young man, you were always youthful in spirit; juvenile in the most admirable sense; vibrant, full of life, and unapologetically present. You were articulate, sharp, and intellectually fearless. Your political provocations were never for noise, but to sharpen debate, to challenge thought, and to push us all to be better.
From you, I personally found inspiration. You pushed me to read deeper, to revisit the dictionary, to enrich my vocabulary so I could stand firmer in the arena of ideas and wisdom.
Your presence was never silent. It arrived with jokes and laughter, with perfectly timed humour that could disarm tension and remind us that even in the seriousness of governance and stressful political affairs, we are still human. You carried light into heavy spaces my brother.
You have left too soon, my comrade. Too soon for your family, too soon for parliament, too soon for Swapo, too soon for a generation that looked forward to the depth and quality of debates you were destined to lead. You were committed to building a stronger august House, one that reflects the aspirations of both our generation and those yet to come.
The loss of your son alongside you deepens this wound beyond words. It is a tragedy that shakes us to our core. To your beloved wife, your children, and the entire Uerikua family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. May you find strength and comfort in this unbearable time.
But in this pain we will continue the fight. We will carry forward the political battles. We will pursue the economic struggles with the same courage and conviction you embodied; and I believe we will share with you the updates once we congregate in eternity.
Rest well, comrade James. May your souls find eternal peace.
– Willem Amutenya is a member of the National Assembly.
