Otjomuise, Monte Christo roads renamed after liberation heroes

VICE president Nangolo Mbumba has officiated at the renaming of Otjomuise and Monte Christo roads in honour of the national liberation hero Eneas Peter Nanyemba and South African anti-apartheid icon, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

Mbumba delivered a speech on behalf of president Hage Geingob.

The president said the occasion was not only to reflect on and honour the two patriots, but also to ensure the two streets remind residents of Nanyemba and Mandela’s contributions to Namibia’s independence.

Windhoek mayor Sade Gawanas said their names would prevail as icons of the African liberation struggle, and deserve recognition by the Namibian nation – particularly by the City of Windhoek.

“Today’s proceedings serve as a token of recognition and appreciation of the late comrades and their sacrifices and contributions to the emancipation and freedom of the people of Namibia and South Africa from apartheid and colonialism.

We have extended the honours of our true heroes by engraving their names on our streets,” she said.

Zaziwe Manaway, a granddaughter of Madikizela-Mandela, said the family was honoured that the government and people of Namibia saw it fit to rename the road in honour of her and grandmother.

“I express my heartfelt sentiments and gratitude of my family. Our grandmother has become not only a symbol, but also a lasting flame of what the assets and meaning of our struggle was about.

“She, unlike others, never wavered from her duties and commitment to serve and represent her people, whom she truly loved,” she said.

Manaway said when freedom was attained, Madikizela Mandela recognised that her people still lived in economic poverty.

“The renaming of Otjomuise Road to Winnie Madikizela Mandela Road clearly demonstrates the esteem the people of Namibia have for her and the role she played in South Africa in the struggle of our time.

“This tribute clearly demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to ensuring that her name does not fade into historical oblivion,” she said.

Eneas Peter Nanyemba’s wife, Mathilde Shinana, said a lot has been and will be said about her husband.

“We shall not forget his contribution to the freedom of his people and independence of this country.

“Today remind us of the good things that were said between the time he died eight years ago on 1 April 1983 in a road accident at Lubango,” she said.

Shinana said the road is travelled on by so many people every day, which makes it one of the busiest roads in Windhoek.

“It’s our adequate belief that using this road will be like walking a long journey to freedom. It will be like walking the lives of this great son of the soil and child of our liberation,” she said.

“As we drive on this street, let us also drive his legacy forward and relive his life,” Shinana said.

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