Nghidinwa Tributes

THE late Rosalia Nghidinwa was a true patriot who actively participated in Namibia’s struggle for independence and never demanded recognition, Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said on Wednesday.

She made these remarks at Nghidinwa’s memorial service in the capital, describing the former Cabinet minister as an unwavering patriot who dedicated her life to serving the Swapo party and Namibia.

“Despite the many attempts by the operatives of the colonial regime on her life, she was unshaken and determined to provide materials and support to the just cause to ensure the freedom and independence of her motherland,” Shaningwa said.

She noted that Nghidinwa’s love for Namibia and the ruling party could not be overemphasised.

“Swapo was part of her,” she said, adding that Nghidinwa also served as chairperson in the Swapo fundraising committee.

Her most recent achievement was when she spearheaded the committee which successfully raised funds for the sixth Swapo elective congress late last year.

“True to her character of hard work and selflessness, she sprang into action, despite the short time available to her and her team, to raise the necessary funds. She successfully raised funds for the party and provided leadership to her team,” added Shaningwa, who also doubles up as minister of urban and rural development.

She furthermore pointed out that the late Nghidinwa was a humble individual, who never demanded a “front seat”.

“She was a down-to-earth human being, and her passing away has robbed us of a charismatic, revolutionary, accomplished leader and a mother figure to all. She was very humble, and always considered herself last.”

Shaningwa urged Namibians to not only mourn their departed heroine, but to also emulate what she stood for: “hard work and selflessness”.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani that Namibians should emulate Nghidinwa’s patriotism.

Venaani described the former minister as a “giant of a lady, and a strategic leader of the ruling party”.

He added that Nghidinwa belonged to a crop of Namibians who value the ethos of respect.

“Rosalia belongs to a generation of elders that espouse the value of respect among citizens. Today, we must ask ourselves, especially the younger generation, how is it that we want to have a conversation in our own republic with a precursor of insults before you make your logic?”

He further applauded on the role she played in the advancement of gender equality, and her efforts to end gender-based violence. Fonding President Sam Nujoma praised the late Rosalia Nghidinwa for her dedication as a nurse during Namibia’s liberation struggle.

Nujoma described Nghidinwa as a caring mother and dedicated nurse who always had her people at heart.

He said she and her underground team of nurses who were working undercover as Swapo officers succeeded due to their dedication, bravely and revolutionary spirit, despite the large areas they had to cover.

“In comrade Nghidinwa and her team, Swapo found loyal, trusted and dedicated cadres who secretly saved many lives of wounded combatants,” he added.

Namibia’s founding president said Nghidinwa never boasted about the crucial role she played during the liberation struggle, as she was a humble and fearless freedom fighter.

Through her unwavering commitment and patriotism, People’s Liberation Army of Namibia combatants in the Kavango area did not experience any shortage of medical supplies.

It is against this background that he accorded Nghidinwa the title of the ‘Most Excellent Order of the Eagle’ in 2003.

He also commended Nghidinwa for her tireless efforts on issues affecting women and children, and her immense contribution to the plight of the San community, and the overall growth of Swapo.

“We should draw strength and courage from her heroism, as she stood out among those who performed their duties with exceptional dedication and a profound sense of determination to defeat the South African white minority regime.”

He thus expressed hope that her exemplary deeds will serve as a permanent source of inspiration as Namibians continue with nation-building and charting the future destiny of their country.

Nghidinwa served as deputy minister of labour and social welfare from 2000 to 2005, minister of home affairs and immigration from 2005 to 2012, and minister of gender equality and child welfare from 2012 until 2015, when she retired.

– Nampa

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