Staff Reporter
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on all Namibians to renew their collective commitment to building an inclusive nation anchored in freedom, equality and shared prosperity.
“Let us also renew our collective commitment to building a Namibia that is inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking. The responsibility to advance the ideals of freedom, equality, and shared prosperity now rests with all of us as government, traditional leadership, the church, and every citizen. We must empower our youth, strengthen our institutions, and foster unity across all communities, so that the sacrifices of our forebearers are not in vain. Let us move forward with determination, guided by the values of integrity, accountability, and service to the nation, as we work together to secure a brighter future for generations to come,” she said.
Witbooi made these remarks at the wreath-laying ceremony of the late Reverend Willem Konjore in ǂGabes, Karasburg Constituency.
Photos: Vice President of Namibia
“It is a great honour to be back this morning in ǂGabes, on the eve of the 36th Anniversary of Namibia’s Independence. ǂGabes is of historical importance and its graveyard a national shrine, because here too lie the remains of one of the veterans and stalwarts of our freedom and independence. As we celebrate the 36th Independence Anniversary, we also remember men and women who contributed immensely to the fruits of independence we are enjoying today. As we gathered this morning in unison to reflect on the life and times of Reverend Willem Konjore and many others, we do so with the conviction that their time and energy spent in this world were done with clear purpose and conviction,” she said.
The Vice President noted that Reverend Konjore played a key role in the Nama Teachers’ Strike of 1976, which led to him, alongside the late Reverend Dr Hendrik Witbooi, Chief Stephanus Goliath and others, joining the liberation struggle under the banner of SWAPO. This, she said, paved the way for his involvement in several prominent national roles.
“In 1989, Reverend Konjore was elected as a Member of the Constituent Assembly, the Assembly that was responsible for the drafting of the Namibian Constitution. This made him one of the Founding Fathers of our Republic,” she said.
Witbooi further highlighted that Reverend Konjore served as the first Chief Whip of SWAPO, later Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, as well as Minister of Environment and Tourism and Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture until his retirement in 2010. She added that he also served as a Member of the SWAPO Party Central Committee.
“In recognition of his distinguished service to the Namibian people and for his outstanding contribution to the independence struggle, Reverend Konjore was conferred the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, Second Class by former President Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba on Heroes’ Day in 2014. Sadly, Reverend Konjore departed from this world on the 11th June 2021. He was accorded a State Funeral and laid to Rest here in ǂGabes on Saturday, 26 June 2021,” Witbooi continued.
She described Reverend Konjore as a dedicated freedom fighter, a respected politician of note and a dynamic religious leader.
“His life was dedicated to the principles of respect, hard work, honesty, truthfulness and social justice. The freedom and independence we enjoy today, was achieved through sacrifices made by people like Reverend Willem Konjore. Therefore, on the eve of our 36th Independence Anniversary, we must as a nation continue to value and guard the peace that people like Reverend Konjore fought for the greater part of theirlives. Let us honour their memories by remaining true to the notion of One Namibia, One Nation,” Witbooi added.
