Erki nghimtina WAS born on 16 September 1948 at Eembidi village in the Ohangwena region. He was one of 12 siblings and is survived by four of them.
He was baptised by reverend Vilho Kaulinge at Ondobe, before moving with his parents to Ohangwena ya Nafidi (now Helao Nafidi), where he began his early schooling.
Following the death of his father in 1960, the family relocated to Edundja village.
In 1961, Nghimtina started his formal primary education under Lena Kapofi.
Between 1962 and 1964, he completed standards two to four. In 1965, he moved to Eenhana, where he completed his secondary education in 1969.
After finishing school, he entered the workforce, first as a salesperson at Oshakati Wholesale and later as a petrol attendant at Ondjodjo, Ondangwa, in 1970.
In 1972 he relocated to Oranjemund, where he worked as a postmaster.
During this time, he was assaulted by colonial authorities, an experience that deepened his commitment to the liberation struggle.
In 1974 Nghimtina went into exile. Upon arrival, he was sent to Russia for military training as a communications specialist. After completing his training, he returned to Zambia.
By 1977, he had become a communications assistant and later rose to chief communications officer for Swapo’s military wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan).
He was responsible for training communications soldiers and served in Lubango until the 1989 repatriation process.
Nghimtina died at his homestead at Edundja on 8 February.
His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the country’s liberation history.
During the Namibian War of Independence, Nghimtina served in several key operational and strategic roles.
His expertise and discipline saw him rise to become director of communications for Plan from 1983 to 1989, a position central to coordinating military operations across different fronts and ensuring effective command and control within the liberation army.
One of the notable military engagements during the armed struggle involved a large-scale Plan operation under the overall command of Ehrenfried ‘Baby’ Jeomba.
The artillery unit was commanded by Reonga Andima, leading a force of approximately 380 combatants. The armaments comprised one battery of 82mm mortars, dozens of 60mm mortars, machine guns, B-10s, and other small arms.
The operational plan assigned the GP battery, with an effective range of 11 kilometres, to engage the Katima Mulilo military base, while other artillery and infantry weapons were tasked to concentrate fire on the Wenela base.
Due to limited specialised manpower, M’pacha Air Base was excluded from the operation.
In this battle, Nghimtina played a pivotal role. He was in charge of the GP observation post, strategically positioned on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Sesheke area.
From this vantage point, Nghimtina was responsible for observing, coordinating, and correcting artillery fire, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness against enemy positions.
His role required exceptional technical skill, courage, and composure under fire, as the success of the artillery strikes depended heavily on precise communication and observation.
Above all, the operation demonstrated the professionalism and determination of Plan combatants, who carried out their duties with discipline and bravery in pursuit of Namibia’s freedom.
As Namibia reflects on its hard-won independence, the nation salutes Nghimtina for his selfless service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom.
His legacy will remain etched in the history of the liberation struggle and in the hearts of all who value Namibia’s independence.
Nghimtina was married and a devoted family man.
He fathered 19 children, of whom 18 survive him.
- Nathan-Eliab Kapofi is a relative of the to late Erkki Nghimtina and is a former footballer, author, and community leader based at Okahao.
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