President Hage Geingob on Sunday sent a message of condolences to the family of former member of Parliament, Reverend Willem Konjore, who died on Thursday.

Konjore died of a short illness in Windhoek at the age of 75.

In his message of condolences shared with the media, Geingob said Konjore’s death is a painful loss to the country, the Swapo Party and the entire church community in Namibia, adding that Konjore was a respected national leader who contributed immensely to the liberation movement and will be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the development of Namibia after independence.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia and indeed on my own behalf and that of my family, I extend sincere condolences to the children and the entire family. May the soul of Deacon Willem Konjore rest in eternal peace,” said Geingob.

Konjore served as a Member of the Constituent Assembly from 1989-90 and a Member of the National Assembly from 1990 to 2010.

Konjore was the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from 2000 until 2005. He also held several ministerial positions, including that of Minister of Environment and Tourism and later Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture before he retired from active politics in 2010.

Source: Namibia Press Agency