Windhoek: Family members of the late Mos© Tjitendero delivered tributes at a commemoration marking 20 years since his passing, reflecting on his public service and personal legacy.
According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking on behalf of the children on Sunday at Heroes' Acre, Ripuree Tjitendero told attendees, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, that the memory of her father's passing remains vivid. She remarked that it feels as if it were only yesterday when they gathered to bid farewell to a truly distinguished gentleman.
Ripuree expressed gratitude to national leaders for their continued support to the family, noting their presence both at the time of his funeral and at the anniversary event. Tjitendero, who served as Namibia's founding Speaker of the National Assembly before his retirement in 2004, died on 26 April 2006.
Describing her father, Ripuree highlighted his roles as a historian, philosopher, educationalist, and pan-Africanist who contributed to Namibia's democratic development and regional cooperation. She also referenced his role in parliamentary leadership and international engagement, while emphasizing that the family remembers him in a more personal way, referring to him as Dad, Papa, Kamu, and Mos© Mose.
She acknowledged the role of his wife, Sandra Tjitendero, describing her as a partner in both his personal and professional life. According to Ripuree, their home life reflected shared values, including collaboration on speeches and preparation for official duties. She concluded her remarks by expressing gratitude to the attendees for their support and noted that the gathering reflected the unity her father believed in.
In a separate tribute on behalf of the extended family, Uaanaro Tjitendero outlined Mos© Tjitendero's background, tracing his origins to a farming community near Midgard. Uaanaro recounted how an elder relative played a role in naming and mentoring him, instilling values of leadership, humility, and honesty. He quoted the guidance given to Mos© in his youth, emphasizing the importance of being a humble and honest leader.
Uaanaro thanked those in attendance, emphasizing the significance of their presence to the family. He also expressed appreciation to national leaders for attending despite their schedules and acknowledged the organizing committee for coordinating the commemoration. The event formed part of activities marking two decades since the death of Mos© Tjitendero, a key figure in Namibia's liberation struggle and post-independence governance.