Paying tribute to the late Dr Zedekia Ngavirue, current and former Namibian leaders have remembered him as a scholar, diplomat, a patriotic leader and excellent negotiator who dedicated his life to his people and country.
These were a few descriptions that reverberated when various speakers delivered their statements during Ngavirue’s memorial service held here Monday.
Ngavirue died on 24 June 2021 aged 88.
In his tribute, Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani remembered Ngavirue as a selfless leader who led the Nama-Herero genocide negotiations with Germany, adding that the late Ngavirue has given value to the genocide cause to which many dedicated their lives fighting for.
“We pay tribute to him as an esteemed statesman, friend and fellow Namibian of principles with steadfast patience of those who worked to build a new civilisation, a lifetime defender of human dignity. He was resolute and intelligent,” he said.
Venaani ended his statement with praises and farewell biddings in his native language.
He said with his forward thinking mindset, Ngavirue’s life was one of elevated meaning, and that Ngavirue’s contribution to everything they had to do during the past three decades to set the people and the country on a new path of liberty and hope have been monumental.
Recollecting Ngavirue’s participation in the country’s liberation struggle and his tenure in various capacities, Founding President Sam Nujoma in his statement read on his behalf remembered him as a man who gave immense structure and gravity to the roles assigned to him and executed his tasks with excellence and dedication.
Also in a statement read on his behalf, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba described Ngavirue as an individual who had a rare quality of managerial competency and high work ethic, which resulted in him being deployed as special envoy for Namibia on the Nama-Herero genocide with the German government, which he carried out diligently and with humility.
President Hage Geingob described Ngavirue as a national hero who gave his life to nation building, stating he departs at the pinnacle of his service to Namibia.
Ngavirue will be laid to rest at Okakarara in the Otjozondjupa Region on Tuesday.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
