Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to late SWAPO Party Hardap Regional Coordinator Joplin Pagley !Gontes, describing her as a committed leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, humility and dedication to both the party and the Namibian people.
Speaking during the funeral service of the late !Gontes in Windhoek, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the passing of the SWAPO leader on 4 May 2026, the same day Namibia commemorated the 48th anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre, added to the nation’s grief and reflection.
“The passing of !Gontes on such a solemn and historic day in our national calendar reminds us not only of the fragility of life, but also of the enduring responsibility to serve our people with humility, compassion, commitment and values which she herself embodied throughout her life,” the President said.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted !Gontes’ professional and political journey, noting that she began her career in education as a relief teacher before later serving as a nurse and senior tuberculosis coordinator under the non-governmental organisation COHENA in Aranos.
She said !Gontes remained an active SWAPO Party member from her youth and played an important role in mobilising communities and strengthening party structures while serving as District Coordinator for Aranos.
According to the President, !Gontes’ commitment and leadership led to her election in 2022 as SWAPO Party Regional Coordinator for the Hardap Region and membership of the party’s Central Committee.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the late leader remained steadfast even during politically challenging periods in the region and contributed significantly to rebuilding confidence in the party.
“The outcome of the Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections of November 2025 in the Hardap Region spoke not only to the confidence people had in the SWAPO Party but also reflected the strength and leadership quality that existed within the regional structures under her stewardship,” she said.
The President also described !Gontes as a deeply spiritual and God-fearing woman who often encouraged others through scripture and messages of unity, compassion and tolerance.
She said !Gontes believed in uplifting rather than condemning people and worked towards unity and dignity within communities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further acknowledged the pain caused by the loss of a young and active leader but urged mourners to remember the legacy of service and solidarity she leaves behind.
“Her life was defined by service, compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of solidarity, freedom, justice, and the betterment of society,” the President said.
She extended condolences on behalf of government, the Namibian people and the SWAPO Party to the family, friends and communities of Aranos and Hardap Region.
Addressing the children of the late !Gontes directly, Nandi-Ndaitwah said they should remain proud of their mother’s contribution to the country and the values she stood for.
“You have every reason to be proud of the woman she was and the difference she made in the lives of so many people,” the President said.
She concluded by calling on Namibians to honour !Gontes’ memory by continuing to work towards unity, progress and national development.
