Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed her sorrow over the death of Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila of Botswana, describing him as a towering diplomat, a son of Africa, and a true friend of Namibia. The 88-year-old Legwaila died in Gaborone on Saturday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, in a statement issued by the Presidency on Sunday, Nandi-Ndaitwah conveyed condolences on behalf of the Namibian Government and people to Botswana’s President Duma Boko, and the bereaved family, following Legwaila’s passing. ‘It is with profound sorrow that I extend our deepest condolences to His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko, the Government and people of Botswana, and the bereaved family,’ she stated.

Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that as Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Legwaila’s calm diplomacy and commitment to peace helped ensure a credible and peaceful transition to independence in Namibia. ‘Ambassador Legwaila’s contribution transcended duty. It was an act of brotherhood and African solidarity,’ she said, emphasising his close ties with Namibia’s late Founding Prime Minister and former President, Hage Geingob, and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Theo-Ben Gurirab.

The president recalled that Legwaila stood with Namibia ‘not as an outsider, but as one of us,’ and noted that his legacy would remain deeply rooted in the history of both nations. ‘As a nation, we share in the grief of Botswana and the Legwaila family at the passing of this great son of Africa,’ she said.

‘Ambassador Legwaila, who served his country and the continent with distinction through several diplomatic and international roles, is remembered by Namibia as a steadfast supporter of its liberation and a symbol of enduring regional solidarity,’ she added.