Mallex Shipanga
At just 34 years old, Rogina Muyamba, along with her two-month-old daughter, Ava Nangura, and her eight-year-old stepson, Alfred, tragically lost their lives in a vehicle accident 30 kilometres north of Keetmanshoop on Sunday afternoon.
Her husband, Wendelin Muyamba, was driving the family of five when their journey took a tragic turn.
On social media, Rogina and Wendelin often shared glimpses of their life together.
These include vibrant birthday celebrations, joyful family gatherings, and wedding photos that paint a picture of a couple deeply in love and a family filled with hope and promise.
Ferdinand Tjombe, Rogina’s uncle, spoke on behalf of the grieving Tjombe-Blackburn families, expressing the profound impact of this tragic loss.
“It is with immeasurable sorrow that we mourn the loss of Rogina Munyamba, our beloved daughter, sister, wife, and mother—a truly extraordinary woman whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating vehicle accident. She was just 34 years old, a loving and gentle soul who radiated kindness and warmth,” he said.
Rogina, a secretary at Namdeb’s Oranjemund operations, was in her prime.
This year had been particularly significant for her: She married Wendelin in April and welcomed their youngest daughter, Ava, in November.
“Her tragic passing comes as an almost unbearable blow to our family, who had just laid her grandmother to rest on 21 September 2024. To now face this horrific loss feels like an insurmountable burden,” Tjombe added.
He spoke of the family’s heartbreak over losing not just Rogina, but also her two children, Ava and Alfred.
Her smile, he added, could brighten any room, and her warm hugs provided comfort to all who knew her.
“She was a peace-loving person, so gentle that she wouldn’t harm a fly. Her smile could brighten any room, and her warm hugs were a source of comfort and love to all. She was a devoted mother and wife, embodying unconditional love, loyalty, and selflessness. Her unwavering support and empathy touched everyone she encountered. She had a special way of making everyone feel valued and cherished, showing up whenever someone needed her the most,” Tjombe said.
Reflecting on her legacy, Tjombe said,
“We will remember her as a beacon of love, a woman who lived for her family, and whose presence brought peace and joy. Her memory will remain etched in our hearts forever, and her legacy of love and kindness will live on in those who were fortunate enough to know her,” Tjombe said.
Rogina and baby Ava’s funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, while Alfred will be laid to rest on 21 December in Keetmanshoop.
Wendelin, her husband, an engineer at Namdeb, and their 17-month-old toddler, Amira, survived the vehicle accident.
As the family grapples with this unimaginable loss, Tjombe has requested privacy and prayers during this period of mourning.
