Video: Mourners converging on the house of the late former Vice Presiden, Dr. Nickey Iyambo. Footage: Eba Kandovazu
Eba Kandovazu
AS mourners started to converge on the house of the late Dr. Nickey Iymbo, President Hage Geingob officially announced the passing of liberation stalwart and former Vice President of the Republic of Namibia and applauded his rich legacy of loyal service and deep humane values.
The First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, was amongst the first of a group of mourners to converge on the house of the late Dr. Iyambo in Windhoek to pay her respects to the family.
Upon entering the house some of the mourners indicated that the family of the late Dr. Iyambo is in deep shock.
The complete announcement by Dr. Geingob reads as follows:
Fellow Namibians, I announce with a profound sense of sadness the passing of my Father, Mentor, Friend and Comrade, Dr. Nickey Iyambo, former Vice President of the Republic of Nambia.
Dr Nickey Iyambo who passed away this morning, leaves behind a rich legacy of loyal service to the Namibian people. Our nation has indeed lost a freedom fighter and a leader with deep humane values.
As we mourn the passing of a brave Namibian son, I extend sincere condolences to his wife, children, family, comrades and friends.
Abridged Biography of Former Vice President, Dr. Nickey Iyambo
Dr. Nickey Iyambo was born on 20 May 1936 at Onayena in the Oshikoto Region. He joined the liberation struggle in 1960 and left for exile in 1964, served the liberation movement in different capacities, including as SWAPO Representative to the Nordic Countries from 1966-1971.
With a Master’s Degree in political science from the University of Helsinki, Finland, Dr. Iyambo, a medical doctor, also completed his degree in medicine at the same University. In the 1980’s, he served as SWAPO Head of Military Medical Service and numerous capacities.
A member of the Constituent Assembly 1989, Dr. Iyambo became a Cabinet Minister in 1990, serving in several portfolios, including Health and Social Services (1990-1996), Regional and Local Government (1996 – 2002), Mines and Energy (2002-2005), Agriculture (2005-2008), Safety and Security (2008-2010) and later Minister of Veteran Affairs from 2010-2015).
Dr. Iyambo is also a past member of the SWAPO Politburo and Central Committee.
On 21 March 2015, President Hage G. Geingob appointed Dr. Nickey Iyambo as Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, a position he served in until his retirement on 8 February 2018.
Funeral Arrangements shall be announced in due course.
May the Soul of Comrade Nickey Iyambo Rest in Eternal Peace.
