Veii laid to rest

THE late Gerson Hitjevi Veii was buried at Heroes Acre in the presence of hundreds of mourners from across the country yesterday.A 17-gun salute accompanied him to his last resting place.

The former Robben Island prisoner died on 14 February after a long illness at the Katutura State Hospital.

Many people described Veii as a brave and generous man who tirelessly fought for the freedom of Namibia.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba said Veii had distinguished himself as a fearless, patriotic freedom fighter who, in spite of countless arrests and torture, had remained committed to the cause of freedom and justice.

“Veii fought a good fight during his time. We shall remember him for his bravery and patriotism,” said Pohamba.

Veii, the first non-Swapo member to be buried at Heroes Acre in Windhoek, was laid to rest next to the late Mzee Kaukungwa, one of the founding members of Swapo of Namibia.

Others buried at the Heroes Acre are Anyama Andrew Itamba, David Meroro, Getrud Kandanga and Markus Kooper, to mention a few.

The atmosphere was solemn when the widow approached the grave to lay a wreath, her grief moving many in the crowd to tears.

Speaking at Veii’s memorial service at Parliament Gardens on Tuesday, Zed Ngavirue, a veteran politician, said he had known him as a man who was not just generous, brave and courageous, but also as a person focused on his goals who harboured no grudges.

“His humanity cannot be put in words and he will always remain a great source of inspiration,” said Ngavirue, adding that he had once recruited Veii as a journalist for the South West News in 1960, where he later became editor in the same year. In attendance were about 20 former Robben Island prisoners, the President-elect, Hage Geingob, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Chief Justice Peter Shivute, and Nahas Angula, amongst others.

In a tribute delivered on his behalf by Khomas governor Laura McLeod Katjirua, Swapo’s secretary general Nangolo Mbumba said Veii was a man who never gave in, but fearlessly fought for the liberation of this country despite imprisonment and incarceration, and will always be held in high esteem.

President of Swanu of Namibia Usutuaije Maamberua yesterday said the late Hitjevi Veii believed that as long as the land was not restored to its rightful owners, reconciliation remains an empty slogan.

“He fought against tribalism because he was convinced that freedom would come from national equity. His legacy is truly an embodiment of bravery, dedication, equity and truth,” said Maamberua.

The late Veii’s daughter Kambanda Veii said that despite being largely absent from their lives due to his political responsibilities, her father always ensured that they did not lack anything, and he would shower them with affection upon his return from his travels.

“To others he would be known as the former Robben Island prisoner, but to us he was always our father – a man who never compromised his principles and never hesitated to give us a hiding when we did wrong,” said Kambanda.

Veii was the president of Swanu of Namibia, a position he was elected to while he was still serving his time at Robben Island. He was arrested for racial incitement and was sentenced to five years in prison.

He served with the likes of Toiva ya Toivo, Ben Ulenga and Nelson Mandela.

He is survived by his wife Adelheid, eight children, 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

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