The death of seasoned educator, political activist and former government adviser Philip Tjerije has prompted an outpour of tributes from those who knew and worked with him.
Tjerije, who died earlier this month, is remembered as a committed freedom fighter, a respected teacher and a gentle but steadfast leader in Namibia’s liberation history.
Former National Assembly speaker and fellow liberation veteran Peter Katjavivi describes Tjerije as a key figure in the resistance movement during the 1960s and 1970s.
“The news of the passing of Philip Tjerije is indeed devastating,” says Katjavivi.
“I not only knew him but worked closely with him during the struggle.
He was one of the key persons in the party who were shouldering the responsibility of the department of information and publicity inside the country.”
Katjavivi says Tjerije was instrumental in exposing the injustices faced by Namibians under apartheid, particularly in drawing attention to arbitrary arrests and detentions.
“He helped mobilise support for those who required legal assistance.
Comrade Tjerije will be remembered for his absolute dedication to the freedom and independence of Namibia. His gentle demeanour made him approachable by many.”
After Namibia’s independence, Tjerije continued serving the country in various capacities, most notably as special adviser to the urban and rural development ministry, formerly known as the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development.
Former Martin Luther High School pupil Isack Hamata recalls Tjerije’s long-standing contribution to education.
“He taught at Martin Luther High School for 17 years after returning from studies in the United Kingdom in 1990,” Hamata says.
Before his tenure as a teacher, Tjerije held key roles in Swapo’s internal leadership.
He served as chairperson of the party’s Windhoek branch in 1977, and later as deputy secretary for information and publicity from 1979.
Colleagues, former students and fellow freedom fighters describe Tjerije as a principled man of service – calm in character, firm in values, and devoted to the cause of a more just Namibia.
Former Cabinet minister and war veteran Jerry Ekandjo praises Tjerije for his bravery and spirit during the liberation struggle.
Ekandjo remembers an incident when late Tjerije represented Swapo after Ekandjo’s detention in Robben Island.
“When I was released from Robben Island in 1981 after being detained there for eight years, Tjerije and Marco Hausiku were the first people I saw when the prison gates opened.
They welcomed me on behalf of Swapo,” Ekandjo recalls.
He highlights numerous times when he and Tjerije were detained together for their activism in the 1980s.
Ekandjo refuses to speak on his relations to Tjerije post independence as his personal assistant, saying that it does not equate to the roles he played in the struggle.
“I am more focused on his contributions to the liberation struggle beyond his role as my PA,” he stresses.
NO STATE FUNERALS
Questions surrounding state funerals have resurfaced amid the government’s current moratorium on such honours.
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus says the moratorium is part of an ongoing effort to modernise and strengthen the integrity of the process.
“This period gives the government space to reassess the current system, ensuring it reflects our national priorities and maintains consistency,” she says.
Tjerije was laid to rest without a state or official funeral.
Theofelus emphasises that while the moratorium is in place, “it does not affect the president’s constitutional power to confer national honours,” as outlined in Article 32 of the Constitution.
A new review committee is being established to guide future decisions on such honours.
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