Eba Kandovazu
TRIBUTES are pouring in after the passing of the All People’s Party President, Ignatius Shixwameni, who collapsed this morning at Parliament, while attending a standing committee meeting.
His nephew, Agapitus Hausiku, confirms that Shixwameni suffered a cardiac arrest. Paramedics who arrived 40 minutes after the MP collapsed declared him dead at the scene. According to Hausiku, Shixwameni had told him yesterday that he was feeling light headed and dizzy. He describes his uncle as a family man, a loving and humble individual who assisted the family wherever he could. Shixwameni is survived by his wife Louise and six children.
Louise was in Cape Town on official duty when the news broke. Hausiku adds that arrangements have been made with her office for her return today. “I grew up with him, he was like a father to me. He was so compassionate and generous. He assisted every young person in our family, whether it was family from Rundu, from the north to study in Windhoek. He welcomed everyone with open arms and took us in. He raised doctors, engineers and architects. We all passed through his house,”Hausiku says.
APP Vice President, Erastus Shuumbwa, tells the Windhoek Observer Newspaper that the passing of Shixwameni is not only a loss to the party, but Namibia as a whole. “He was a freedom fighter, a comrade who fought for education. His contribution to Namibia speaks for itself. We lost a dedicated leader who was honest. It is indeed a painful loss,” Shuumbwa says.
Popular Democratic Movement President McHenry Venaani expressed also condolences, describing Shixwameni as a principled and fierce debater.
“Deeply saddened by the sad and departure of a colleague. He was a principled man, a fierce debater and affable persona. He died in line of duty. He was a neighbor in the house and good collaborator. Sad times,” Venaani took to social media.
National planning Commission Director Obeth Kandjoze had this to say:”Shixwameni is q long time associate of old to many with long and illustrious history as a founding member of Nanso in the days of student activism during the liberation struggle for freedom. His contribution to freedom is indelible. May his soul rest in peace, “He said.
