Diescho says he failed HH

NAMIBIAN academic Joseph Diescho says he had failed Hidipo Hamutenya by not honouring three attempts the late politician had made to seek an audience with him.

Diescho told mourners at one of the memorial services held for Hamutenya that his own insecurities had got the better of him.

“Due to my own insecurities and the fact that I was not sure how to handle a conversation with him at that time, I did not respond. […] I had issues with the fact that he inspired so many people to form a new political party to combat, as it were, the unhelpful contradictions in our body politic at the time.

“I felt that he had abandoned the people who walked out with him and followed him – just like that – because he was no longer the president. I did not have peace with his style and that he did not clean up on that front, and so I did not honour the invitation.”

Untrue rumours have led to much suffering for many, Diescho told the mourners.

“Many people are suffering because of falsehoods that are being spread around maliciously, just to get connected. I am certain that he wanted to share with me some information that is of benefit to the Namibian child today and tomorrow.”

Extending an apology to the Hamutenya family, Diescho said “I am truly sorry that my insecurities overpowered my principles. As a nation, we are failing to record our proper history for purposes of the truth. Those who lived this history are leaving us, and we shall be left with speculation and revisionism. HH was central to our history, and that is gone.”

Despite their differences, he and Hamutenya had learnt to respect one another. One issue of principle which gave rise to different views was Diescho’s contention that post-independent Namibia – like South Africa – needed a truth and reconciliation commission.

“It was in 1995 when he spotted me sitting as an observer in the upper deck of the National Assembly.”

Hamutenya signalled to Diescho that he wanted to see him.

“So, I went to see him, with my notebook and pen in hand. I was honoured by his readiness to tackle me like a leader. I listened with scholarly ears, and observed him with intellectual eyes. It was therefore HH who assisted a fool like me to understand and appreciate that our context was different, and required a different way to handle the truth and manage the process of nation-building.”

Hamutenya was buried on Saturday at Heroes’ Acre.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.