Zebaldt Ngaruka
The contribution made by the late archbishop Petrus Daniel Katikisa Tjijombo (PKD) towards the attainment of Namibia’s independence and his godly service will never be forgotten.
This, in summary, is what could be deduced from speeches delivered by Namibia’s leaders during his burial at Otjiuaneho, in Otjinene district yesterday.
President Hage Geingob, his predecessor Hifikepunye Pohamba, and Founding President Dr Sam Nujoma all paid homage to the departed archbishop.
The man of the cloth, who died on 16 July 2023 at his residence in the heart of Katutura, was accorded an official funeral.
Geingob’s speech was delivered by presidential minister, Christene //Hoebes.
He remembered the late Tjijombo as a true son of the soil who played a crucial role during the days of the liberation struggle.
“He was a reserved man, a father, a teacher, a patriot and an outstanding son of the soil who, through the word of God, treated many revolutionaries during the pre- and post-independence era of our country,” Geingob reminisced.
The president said he first met the late archbishop in Gobabis in 1989, shortly after his return from exile while on a mission to address a Swapo rally at the eastern town.
“I was welcomed by the harmonic and enjoyable singing of his church choir and ever since that day, we developed a close relationship. I visited and shared a lot with him,” a reminiscent Geingob continued.
The head of state went on to say he is an ardent believer in giving “a flower to a person to smell while alive”.
“At this time, due to the [surgical] operation, I have been temporarily indisposed for not visiting the archbishop’s house during the time of passing and also not being at his burial,” Geingob explained.
On his part, Pohamba, among others, described Tjijombo as a fearless freedom fighter par excellence.
“He gave and made a significant contribution to our country’s liberation while serving as a pastor. His unflinching support for missionaries and his resistance to colonial oppressors also rendered him to acquire a reputation as a war veteran,” the former president said.
Founding president Nujoma said Tjijombo’s life was one of selflessness and service to the community.
“His death robbed our country of a political mobiliser who was instrumental in organising Namibians to join the struggle for independence. He pioneered clergyman and, above all, was a dynamic religious leader whose good deeds will be emulated by future generations of Namibia as we draw guidance and inspiration from his exemplary life, “ Nujoma said in a speech delivered on his behalf.
“Against this background, the late Tjijombo bequeathed us the significance of solidarity with the oppressed and the downtrodden,” the statesman said.
Born in former Okaoko land, Tjijombo is the founder of First St John Faith Mission Church in Namibia which was recently rebranded to Father Tjijombo St John Faith Mission Church.
Tjijombo is survived by his wife and 34 children.