Tributes flow for Meroro

ONE of Namibia’s liberation struggle heroes, David Meroro, was laid to rest on Saturday following glowing tributes from national leaders and family members.

Meroro, who succumbed to a long illness in the Windhoek Central Hospital at the age of 87 last Monday, was accorded a hero’s funeral. He became the third person to be buried at the Heroes’ Acre just to the south of Windhoek.Government and political leaders remembered Meroro as a brave and loyal cadre.Family members said his hard work and exemplary leadership, both as a politician and businessman, had laid a strong foundation for them.Hundreds of mourners, including members of the diplomatic corps, stood silently on Saturday as the flag-draped coffin entered Heroes’ Acre with a full military escort.In a heartfelt tribute to his long-time comrade and friend, President Sam Nujoma saluted Meroro as a “revolutionary who selflessly resisted the evil forces of apartheid colonialism and oppression”.”We pay homage to the memory of the late comrade … for the sacrifices he made for the liberation of our country and the restoration of our rights and dignity …,” Nujoma said.The President said Meroro’s spirit would continue to inspire Namibians “in our effort to achieve the prosperity for all our people”.Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab eulogised the late Swapo stalwart as a true patriot and an “embodiment” of what the ruling Swapo Party stands for.”As we mourn his death we take comfort in the fact that comrade Meroro lived to witness the independence and freedom of Namibia which he gallantly fought for,” the Premier said.Swapo Secretary General Ngarikutuke Tjiriange praised the party’s former National Chairman as a dedicated and loyal “old giant of Namibian politics” who never wavered even in the face of the “possibility of death” during the “dark years” of colonialism.”I have lost not only a husband, but a true friend, father, advisor and mentor,” said a short and moving message read on behalf of this widow – Hilia Meroro.The late Meroro’s nephew, Vipuira Kapuuo, described how his uncle went from being an ordinary “animal skin” seller to become a successful businessman.”Many will ask how a successful businessman would leave all his riches behind to go into exile? It was his strong conviction to free Namibia that made him take that decision,” Kapuuo said.Meroro’s long illness, which ultimately claimed his life, was attributed to many years of brutal torture at the hands of the apartheid security forces in the 1960s and 1970s.He was forced into exile in 1975 and only returned home in 1989 with the implementation of United Nations Resolution 435.Dubbed ‘Comrade Chairman’ by his ruling party colleagues, Meroro is survived by 21 children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a brother.He became the third person to be buried at the Heroes’ Acre just to the south of Windhoek. Government and political leaders remembered Meroro as a brave and loyal cadre. Family members said his hard work and exemplary leadership, both as a politician and businessman, had laid a strong foundation for them. Hundreds of mourners, including members of the diplomatic corps, stood silently on Saturday as the flag-draped coffin entered Heroes’ Acre with a full military escort. In a heartfelt tribute to his long-time comrade and friend, President Sam Nujoma saluted Meroro as a “revolutionary who selflessly resisted the evil forces of apartheid colonialism and oppression”. “We pay homage to the memory of the late comrade … for the sacrifices he made for the liberation of our country and the restoration of our rights and dignity …,” Nujoma said. The President said Meroro’s spirit would continue to inspire Namibians “in our effort to achieve the prosperity for all our people”. Prime Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab eulogised the late Swapo stalwart as a true patriot and an “embodiment” of what the ruling Swapo Party stands for. “As we mourn his death we take comfort in the fact that comrade Meroro lived to witness the independence and freedom of Namibia which he gallantly fought for,” the Premier said. Swapo Secretary General Ngarikutuke Tjiriange praised the party’s former National Chairman as a dedicated and loyal “old giant of Namibian politics” who never wavered even in the face of the “possibility of death” during the “dark years” of colonialism. “I have lost not only a husband, but a true friend, father, advisor and mentor,” said a short and moving message read on behalf of this widow – Hilia Meroro. The late Meroro’s nephew, Vipuira Kapuuo, described how his uncle went from being an ordinary “animal skin” seller to become a successful businessman. “Many will ask how a successful businessman would leave all his riches behind to go into exile? It was his strong conviction to free Namibia that made him take that decision,” Kapuuo said. Meroro’s long illness, which ultimately claimed his life, was attributed to many years of brutal torture at the hands of the apartheid security forces in the 1960s and 1970s. He was forced into exile in 1975 and only returned home in 1989 with the implementation of United Nations Resolution 435. Dubbed ‘Comrade Chairman’ by his ruling party colleagues, Meroro is survived by 21 children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a brother.