Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob today conferred the honour of a national hero, as well as a state funeral for Ngarikutuke Tjiriange, who succumbed to COVID-19 related symptoms on 23 June 2021.
In his message of condolences, Geingob described Tjiriange as a committed Cadre of the SWAPO Party who actively participated in Party activities, giving principled contributions.
“The passing of Comrade Ngarikutuke Tjiriange, a loyal and senior cadre of the Swapo Party is a painful loss to our country and the SWAPO party in particular. Comrade Tjiriange was a committed Cadre of the SWAPO Party who actively participated in Party activities, giving principled contributions. Our nation has lost a man who leaves behind an indelible footprint of service,” said Geingob.
Tjiriange served in different capacities, including as first Minister of Justice, SWAPO Party Secretary General, Minister of Veteran Affairs and up until the time of his passing, as a Special Advisor on heritage to the Government.
Tjiriange also served as member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Namibian Constitution.
Tjiriange studied Law at Leningrad State University and received a Doctorate from Kiev University in 1973. Tjiriange, after doing research at the International Institute for Labour Studies in Switzerland in 1974 and the International Institute of Human Rights in France in 1975 served as an Assistant Professor at the United Nations Institute for Namibia in Lusaka, Zambia from 1977 to 1982.
He also served as Principal Legal Advisor of Swapo.
“His wealth of knowledge and experience was invaluable to the process of identifying appropriate historic sites in the country and nation building. On behalf of the people and the Namibian Government and the SWAPO party, I extend condolences to his wife, the children and the family, ” Geingob said.
Tjiriange will be burried at the Heroes Acre this Thursday.
