The life and legacy of the late Namibian liberation struggle icon, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, will be immortalised with the unveiling of his statue on Robben Island in South Africa on 27 September.
The island, once a notorious prison for anti-apartheid activists, was home to Ya Toivo during his 16 years of incarceration.
Ahead of the historic unveiling, his widow, Vicky ya Toivo, and daughters Nashikoto and Mutaleni shared their reflections on what this commemoration means for their family, Namibia and the broader African liberation story.
Vicky described the moment as bittersweet: “I feel happy, grateful and proud that South Africa has decided to erect a statue of my husband on Robben Island. At the same time, I miss him.”
She remembered her late husband as a man of humility, integrity and tenacity.
“Andimba related to everyone as an equal.
He was honest, hardworking and determined. If he started something, he would finish it. People trusted him deeply, and he was considered honest and approachable.”
For her, the statue is a recognition of Namibia’s role in driving South Africa’s political change.
“Namibia’s liberation struggle was also on behalf of South Africa.
The statue shows that what Namibians did made a difference in the political change that came about there.”
Daughter Nashikoto said her father’s sacrifices and values shaped her life profoundly.
“Growing up with my father, I was constantly reminded that life is bigger than oneself.
He taught us that true freedom is not just political, but about treating others with dignity and integrity.”
She described his unwavering commitment to justice and equality as the part of his legacy she holds dearest.
“He never sought wealth or glory.
He stood firm on principles that outlived him. He always lived by the saying, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
And so even with my personal obstacles in my life and becoming a vet, I tried to maintain that and uphold it.
And I stand before you as a newly graduated vet.”
For her, the statue stands as both a family tribute and a regional symbol of unity and sacrifice: “It tells the world the sacrifices of Namibians and South Africans on Robben Island were never in vain.”
Mutaleni described her father not as a politician, but as a present, disciplined and humorous family man.
“At home, he was warm, humble and deeply present.
He valued simple moments, taught us kindness and respect, and expected us to work hard.
He woke up every morning at 04h00 to exercise and always made sure we cleaned the house every Sunday.”
She added that his memory should inspire young people across Africa.
“He would want people to remember not only the hardships of prison, but also the spirit of solidarity that carried him and others through.
He often said prison did not break him, it strengthened his resolve. He would want us to live in the spirit of Ubuntu: I am because you are, and you are because I am.”
For the Ya Toivo family, the statue is a reminder of the interconnectedness of Namibia and South Africa’s struggles for freedom.
As the unveiling approaches, the statue of Ya Toivo will stand as a lasting testament to courage, solidarity and resilience – not only in Namibia and South Africa but across the African continent.
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