Final salute to liberation torchbearer Kangueehi

Former Swanu of Namibia president Kuzeeko Kangueehi has been described as a fearless leader who was passionate about the economic emancipation of Namibians.

He died on 15 May at the age of 81.

Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani yesterday said he, Kangueehi and the late Andimba Toivo ya Toivo often used to visit the gym and sauna together.

“We would meet in the sauna discussing matters of the day and politics. My condolences to his wife, the children and the family,” he said.

Venaani described Kangueehi as a father figure to many children and fondly remembers him as a dignified gentleman.

His wife Kairaane, used to be his English teacher, Venaani said.

He said Kangueehi was the first leader to be involved in a party faction after the late Moses Katjiuongua broke away to form another political faction.

Swanu president Evilastus Kaaronda says Kangueehi was passionate about the economic emancipation of Namibians.

“He was a hero and veteran of the liberation struggle and was among the leaders assigned to mobilise military support for an armed liberation struggle against the apartheid regime,” he says.

Former United Democratic Front member of parliament Dudu Murorua describes Kangueehi as a man who fought for all Namibians during the liberation struggle.

He says Kangueehi unified the Damara Council under former Herero chief Kuaima Riruako.

“It is with deep gratitude and reverence that we honour the life of our beloved father, who was born in 1943 at Kundapura, near Okahandja, along the road to Okondjatu.

“He was the son of Rukeeveni Kahiiko and Vakuasana Kangueehi and was raised, alongside his late brother Sondaha, by their grandmother, Kaina, on the farm Otjondaura,” reads the Kangueehi family’s eulogy.

Kangueehi attended Rio Quelle Primary School, now Hosea Kutako Primary School, completing Standard 6 (Grade 8) in 1962.

He was part of the first group of scholars to sit for this level under the leadership of the school’s late principal, Gottlob Kaura.

Among his classmates were notable figures such as Neti Katjiuanjo, Festus Kazapua, Nehemiah Kaatura, Amanda Tjozongoro, Martin Hengari, and Venomuinjo Kandetu – some of whom have since died.

Kangueehi enrolled at Augustineum High School at Okahandja, and pursued his tertiary education at the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) in South Africa, initially enrolling for a bachelor’s degree of science.

After a brief interruption due to illness, he returned to Namibia and worked as a radio announcer for the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation before resuming his studies and completing a South African teachers diploma in 1971.

In 1972, he and his wife began their teaching careers at Augustineum.

However, due to challenges with the oppressive administration at the time, he left after a year.

In 1973, the couple continued their teaching journey at Martin Luther High School near Okombahe in the Erongo region, where they served until 1984.

That same year, the family returned to Windhoek, marking a shift from education to politics. Kangueehi became the president of Swanu and continued to serve his community through leadership and activism.

He was the chief fire officer of the City of Windhoek until his retirement in 2003.

Following retirement, he devoted himself to farming at a resettlement farm granted through his veteran status.

Kangueehi’s memorial service is set for this weekend and his burial for Sunday at Aminuis.

He leaves behind his wife, eight children, 23 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

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