Patience Makwele
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially conferred hero status on 16-year-old Cornelius Tulotokela Shimwaafeni of Omutundungu village in the Omusati Region after he risked his life to rescue nine-month-old twins who had been thrown into a water pond in May.
Nandi-Ndaitwah recognised Shimwaafeni during the 60th Heroes Day commemoration at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek, describing his actions as an example of contemporary heroism.
The President said Shimwaafeni acted without hesitation despite knowing that he was putting his own life at risk, adding that he did not seek recognition or reward when he intervened to save the children.
Shimwaafeni reportedly stated that had the children died, “I was going to die with them.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah said his actions demonstrate that heroism in a free Namibia is not limited to the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle, but continues through acts of courage, responsibility and selflessness.
#WindhoekObserver
