Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, has expressed condolences to the family of the former Parliamentarian, Reverend Willem Konjore, who died after a short illness in Windhoek on Thursday night.

Konjore who died at the age of 75, served as a Member of the Constituent Assembly from 1989-90 and a Member of the National Assembly from 1990 to 2010.

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

In a press statement issued on Friday, Katjavivi referred to Konjore as a principled man who would be remembered as a thinker, a freedom fighter, a religious leader and above all a democrat, who never compromised on his faith.

He said Konjore contributed immensely to the drafting of Namibian Constitution and the crafting of laws for an independent Namibia.

“For his contribution, dedication and commitment towards a better Namibia for all, Hon. Rev. Konjore, was conferred the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, Second Class on Heroes’ Day in 2014. Konjore was an icon of democracy, well-known across the floor of the House and highly respected for his fairness and impartiality and prised for his uncompromising stance on principles when the House is divided and a vote is required,” Katjavivi said.

Leader of the Official Opposition, McHenry Venaani too sent his condolence to the family and friends of Konjore, saying in his death, Namibia has lost a dear friend and a reputable individual.

“We commiserate with the nuclear family and the Namibia citizenry on the passing of Kai Meester Willem Konjore Former Minister. A decent respectable human being a dear friend across the aisle. It is often said that all good that men do is often interred with their bones,” he said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency