Hendrik Witbooi remembered

MESSAGES of condolence continued to flow in yesterday as political parties paid tribute to the late Reverend Hendrik Witbooi, who died on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.

The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) described Witbooi as ‘an indefatigable freedom fighter and defender of justice’ and ‘a true Namibian patriot’.RDP President Hidipo Hamutenya said the former Deputy Prime Minister will be remembered as a dedicated fighter against poverty, discrimination and oppression during and after the struggle for Namibia’s independence.’Our hearts and souls go out to his wife, his children and entire Witbooi clan and to the Namibian nation as a whole. Honourable Reverend Witbooi’s political legacy will live on and that will ensure he is never forgotten,’ Hamutenya said.United Democratic Front leader and king of the Damaras Justus //Garoëb said Witbooi was a ‘courageous and brave fighter’ and one of his favourite leaders.’It was our desire to invite him to our annual Damara festival on November 17 this year. He would have been with us, was it not for his untimely passing,’ //Garoëb said.He said they had many things in common such as their traditional leadership and political careers.’Witbooi had been to our traditional festivals and I had been to theirs to address his people. I come a long way with him in politics,’ the Damara king said.He also paid tribute to Witbooi’s contribution in the education sector where he established a private school in Gibeon as well as his involvement in the Church and as a musician.’His death is not only a great loss to the family, the Nama traditional community and Swapo but a great loss to the Namibian community,’ he said.DTA President Katuutire Kaura said Witbooi was truly dedicated to the upliftment of the Nama people, spiritually as well as physically.’He has also left very deep footprints in the Namibian soil and I hope that young people will follow in his footsteps,’ Kaura said.

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