Staff Writer
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to late liberation struggle veteran Helao Joseph Shityuwete, saying his life and sacrifice helped lay the foundation for Namibia’s freedom and must continue to inspire the country’s nation-building efforts.
Speaking at Shityuwete’s state funeral at Pioneers Park Cemetery in Windhoek on Sunday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Shityuwete belonged to a generation that sacrificed its youth, freedom, family life and personal comfort for Namibia’s independence.
Shityuwete spent 16 years imprisoned on Robben Island, in addition to two years in pre-trial detention – a total of 18 years in prison for standing against injustice and fighting for the freedom of Namibians.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said his contribution did not end with independence, noting that he understood that political freedom had to be followed by the difficult work of building institutions, protecting workers and improving the lives of ordinary Namibians.
“We will continue to honour his sacrifice, not through words alone, but through action,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She pledged that government would continue working towards a Namibia where every citizen has a fair chance to build a better life, regardless of where they were born or their circumstances.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also said Namibia must remain committed to building a country free from both racial and economic oppression.
As Shityuwete was laid to rest, the president said his duty was done and that those who remain must carry forward the Namibia for which he fought and helped liberate.
“Goodbye, Comrade Helao Joseph Shityuwete; may your revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace. We will remember you, Comrade!”
Photos: Namibian Presidency
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