Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani has paid tribute to liberation struggle veteran and former political prisoner Helao Shityuwete, describing him as a courageous and humble Namibian who sacrificed much of his life for the country’s freedom.
Shityuwete died on Saturday, shortly after celebrating his 92nd birthday.
In a statement issued on Monday, Venaani says he had the privilege of sharing many moments with Shityuwete, describing him as a “great personality” who never needed to impose himself on others.
“His was a life of courage and sacrifice,” Venaani says.
Shityuwete became involved in the liberation struggle while working at the Walvis Bay docks, where he joined efforts to fight for the rights of Namibian workers.
In 1964, he left Namibia for military training in Tanzania and returned in 1966 as part of the G2 group. He was later captured, tortured and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on Robben Island, where he spent years alongside other political prisoners, including Andimba Toivo ya Toivo and former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Following Namibia’s independence, Shityuwete served at the labour ministry and later dedicated himself to preserving the history and experiences of former political prisoners.
Venaani says Shityuwete’s contribution should be remembered as part of Namibia’s history, stressing that the country’s freedom was built through the sacrifices of Namibians from different communities and political backgrounds.
“We may not always have shared the same political views, but we can honour those who sacrificed so that Namibians could live in a free and democratic country,” he says.
Venaani extends his condolences to Shityuwete’s family, friends and all Namibians.
“I honour Shityuwete for his courage, his sacrifices, his humility and his service to Namibia,” he says.
