Founding President Dr Sam Nujoma has expressed condolences to the family of Bernardinus Shekutamba, the founding councillor of the Etayi Constituency in the Omusati Region who died last week.

Shekutamba died in the Medipark Private Hospital on 01 July after he had a stroke.

He served as Swapo’s regional councillor for the Etayi Constituency from 2004 until 2015 and joined the National Council in 2010.

Nujoma in a statement on Friday said Shekutamba was a fearless freedom fighter, a former school principal, political activist, councillor and a veteran of the national liberation struggle who lived life well and in service of his country.

Shekutamba joined Swapo in 1964 while studying at Döbra Training College and became active in politics from 1972. While working as principal of Etayi Primary School, Shekutamba provided accommodation and transport to PLAN combatants as well as information on the whereabouts of enemy forces and due to his underground work, he was arrested several time, first in 1985 leading to three weeks imprisonment at Omungwelume.

In the same year he was taken to Oshakati for questioning about his house which was labelled a “nest of terrorists.” Shekutamba was imprisoned in different places such as Oshakati, Osire, Bethanie, Dordabis and finally, in Windhoek after he was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Nujoma said despite the numerous arrests, Shekutamba never wavered and continued with his underground support to PLAN combatants.

It is in recognition of his contribution that, in 2005, he was bestowed with the honour of the Commander of the Order of Namibia, 3rd Class.

“It is befitting that the government conferred upon him an official funeral as one of the fearless freedom fighters and political activist who never wavered until the attainment of our freedom and genuine independence on 21 March 1990,” the statement said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency