Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob says the late Ambassador Dr. Zedekia Ngavirue, who he called a proud Son of Namibia and one of the finest diplomats the country has produced, has left a formidable legacy and an endearing memory of humility and integrity.
In a speech read yesterday at the memorial service or Ngavirue, who died on 24 June 2021, Geingob noted that the late diplomat departed at the pinnacle of his service to Namibia.
“His is a life well lived, his is a life worthy of honour, his is a life of a true patriot. He is a National Hero who gave his life to nation building and died on duty,” he said.
It is therefore for this reason that Geingob bestowed on him the highest honour of National Hero to be buried at Heroes Acre, but due to his own wishes to be laid next to his departed wife, Bertha, government honored his wish and he will instead today be buried in Okakarara.
“The pain of the passing of Dr. Ngavirue is not felt only by his family, but the entire nation, which is still struggling to come to grips with this loss,” noted Geingob.
According to Geingob, Ngavirue lived a life of purpose and prestige.
“He lived a life dedicated to the pursuit of peace and dignity. For that, we salute him, now and forever,” said Geingob.
He added that Ngavirue has left a huge void which can never be filled.
“The only comfort we can take is in appreciating the fact that Namibia was blessed with the presence of a human being of his character and intellectual magnitude,” the President said.
Geingob explained that Ngavirue was always guided by patriotism and principles throughout his illustrious life.
These characteristics, he noted, formed the foundation for his participation in the resistance against Apartheid colonialism at a young age.
“It inspired all his actions and determined all his decisions. Whether as a student, teacher, politician, diplomat, negotiator or a distinguished member of society, his love for his country always motivated him to carry out his duties with distinction,” said Geingob.
Nagvirue entered politics of the struggle in the early 1950s when he co-founded and acted as Secretary of the South West Africa Students Body.
Inspired by the rising tide against colonial oppression on the African continent, youth studying at various colleges and schools came together to establish the first political movement at the time.
It was during this time period in 1959, when Ngavirue and others, founded the South West African National Union (SWANU).
He eventually went into exile in 1961.
“Despite the fact that we belonged to different political parties, he was always an affable individual that got along well with everyone. Whether it was with Comrade Sam Nujoma, myself or others, Dr. Ngavirue was always respectable, friendly and agreeable,” noted Geingob.
Following independence, Ngavirue was appointed as the Director General of the National Planning Commission from 1990 to 1995, after which he became the Namibian Ambassador to the European Union between 1995 and 2003 before retiring from Government service in September 2003.
He was, however, called upon years later after the German Government agreed to a system of special envoys to discuss the emotive topic of the 1904/08 Genocide.
“The Namibian Government chose Dr. Ngavirue, a seasoned son of the soil and also a descendant of the victims of the genocide. In 2015, I appointed him as Special Envoy on Genocide. He started his work under the late Comrade Dr. Nickey Iyambo the first Vice President of Namibia, may his soul rest in peace, and continued under Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, the current Vice President. With the involvement and support of some of the affected communities the negotiations were carried out and concluded this year,” explained Geingob.
Geingob added that a debt of gratitude is owed to Ngavirue and his team of negotiators who amidst the most difficult challenges surrounding the genocide negotiations with Germany, stood their ground, showed unwavering commitment and insisted that Germany acknowledge that genocide was perpetrated against the Namas and the Hereros, and based on that acknowledgment, to render an unconditional apology to the people of Namibia for the wrongs committed against them.
“Not only did he succeed in this regard but also in the quest for Germany to pay reparations for the wrongs which they have confessed and apologised for, so that the Nama and Herero descendants can be financially, psychologically, and socially compensated for the inhumane and brutal atrocities committed against them,” said Geingob.
The President concluded by once again extending sincere condolences to Madam Mara Ngavirue, the children, grandchildren and the entire Ngavirue family on the loss of Ambassador Ngavirue.
