Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Peter Katjavivi, on behalf of Parliament paid tribute to the late Ngarikutuke Ernst Tjiriange on Thursday.

Katjavivi in a media statement said Tjiriange was a long-standing comrade and friend, with whom he worked closely over many years during the liberation struggle and since independence and was known for firmness and for his utmost dedication to the tasks assigned to him.

Tjiriange died in Windhoek on Wednesday after a short illness. He was 77.

“Comrade Tjiriange contributed immensely to an independent Namibia through his positions as the first Minister of Justice, later as Minister of Veterans Affairs, and thereafter as adviser to various ministers and to the vice president. The last project he oversaw was the Hosea Kutako shrine in Aminuis, which was inaugurated by President Hage Geingob earlier this year,” said Katjavivi.

He added that they were neighbours in the Old Location in Windhoek in 1962 and joined Swapo around the same time.

“Comrade Tjiriange will be sorely missed. We extend sincere condolences to his wife Juliana, children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Katjavivi.

Source: Namibia Press Agency