President Mbumba lauds late Sacky Amunyela’s steadfast commitment to the liberation of Namibia

Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba has lauded the late Sacky Amunyela, a war veteran who passed away in Ondangwa on 8 January at the age of 75, for his steadfast commitment to the liberation of Namibia.

Speaking at the funeral service in the Onayena constituency of the Oshikoto Region on Saturday, President Mbumba expressed profound sadness over Amunyela’s passing, describing him as a veteran of the liberation struggle and a hero of Namibia.

President Mbumba’s speech reads as follows:

*”Comrade Amunyela’s journey was one of patriotism, courage, and selflessness. Among other notable attributes, he will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of liberty, justice, and equality for Namibia and her people.

His steadfast commitment to the liberation of Namibia began in 1969 when he joined SWAPO after being expelled from Ongwediva Seminary due to political activism during the 1960s.

In January 1972, Comrade Amunyela went into exile through Botswana, accompanied by fellow comrades, including Kondja Kambala, the late Johannes Hamukoto, and Johannes Amupindi. Under the leadership of the late Comrade Maxton Mutongolume, he proceeded to Zambia, where his resolve to fight for Namibia’s liberation grew stronger.

Later that year, under the guidance of the late Comrade Uno Kanana, Comrade Amunyela was sent to the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), now the Russian Federation, for specialized training as an engineer.

In 1974, after completing his training, Comrade Amunyela was deployed as a Deputy Engineer Commander, playing a key role in establishing a base on the Eastern Front in Namibia to counter the mobility of enemy forces in the area. As a trained engineer, he brought not only technical expertise but also demonstrated exceptional leadership in his role.

Fellow Mourners,

Among his many notable contributions was a military mission conducted in 1974 in the Kavango Region and the towns of Grootfontein, Tsumeb, and Otavi. During this mission, Comrade Amunyela sustained severe injuries in a battle against South African enemy forces. Despite this setback, he remained unwavering in his resolve to liberate his beloved motherland.

As we bid farewell to Comrade Amunyela, we reflect on his invaluable contributions to Namibia’s independence and the building of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Namibian House. We will forever cherish and remember the unwavering dedication and sacrifices Comrade Amunyela made for the freedom and peace that we and our children are enjoying today. As a freedom fighter, his name will be forever etched in the annals of Namibia’s history, alongside other equally valiant heroes and heroines of our freedom and independence.

To the widow, Meekulu Elise Amunyela, the children, and the entire bereaved family of the late Comrade Sacky Amunyela, may we continue to hold dear the noble principles of unity, peace, and freedom for which our departed husband, father, friend, and comrade sacrificed his youth. He fought the good fight, and today we celebrate his great contribution to the liberation of our country. Indeed, today we recognize once again that the blood of Comrade Sacky Amunyela and many others before him waters our freedom.

During this period of mourning, may we find solace in the Holy Scripture, Psalm 34:18, which reminds us that, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ May this verse bring comfort and strength to our broken hearts and restore our crushed spirits during this time and beyond.

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Namibia, I extend our deepest condolences to the widow, Meekulu Elise Amunyela, the children, siblings, the entire bereaved family, as well as friends and comrades. May the Lord comfort us and grant us peace and strength to accept and endure what we cannot change.

May the soul of Comrade Sacky Amunyela rest in eternal peace.

I thank you.”*