Zebaldt Ngaruka
OZOMBOUVAPA – Prominent Omaheke farmer, traditional leader and Swapo stalwart Utarera Borry Katjiuanjo will be buried on Sunday at Otjandje village in the Aminuis constituency.
Katjiuanjo died on 5 May at a Windhoek hospital. He was 75.
His nephew, Ndangi Hangero, told New Era there are no memorial services planned for Windhoek but only for his homestead, Okombepera, on Friday and Saturday.
He said Katjiuanjo is a prominent figure in many respects, and the Omurari FM crew will accompany his remains as they journey to their final resting place with a live broadcast over three days.
“We will depart Windhoek early Friday morning at 06h00 to go to Aminuis. The memorial service is expected to start at 17h00 until late and start Saturday again at 08h00,” said Hangero.
Tjoponi Katjiuanjo, the paternal brother of the late Katjiuanjo, said his passing leaves a huge void in the family.
“It is a very sad moment, as my brother helped many, and he was a hard worker. He shared ideas on development, and wanted everyone to stand on their own economically,” he said.
The brother also recalled the role his elder brother played in pivotal roles pre- and post-independence, including some incidences that posed a threat to his life.
The late Katjiuanjo was once stabbed at a service station by those aligned with the colonial government, the brother recalls.
“My brother went through a lot, but he stood firm, and he left a legacy behind. This is a sad moment for us, and we just must accept what we cannot change,” he added.
Katjiuanjo’s demise has been felt across Namibia’s length and breadth.
Swapo veteran Kaire Mbuende told this publication that Katjiuanjo played a crucial role in the party’s activities in the Aminuis constituency before and after independence.
“It is a big loss to the party. He welcomed us back from exile and accommodated government officials and Swapo officials at his residence in Okombepera,” he said.
Mbuende remembers that Katjiuanjo recruited many supporters in the opposition-dominated Aminuis, and he was also the candidate for the councillor position in early regional council elections.
“His contribution is countless. He was generous, giving money to the party and even livestock at party, events,” added Mbuende.
Another Swapo war veteran, Brave Tjizera, described the late Katjiuanjo as a cadre who never wavered, and was always ready to die for the party at a time when it was not fashionable to be associated with Swapo.
“Katjiuanjo, despite him being my brother, was a close ally and confidant, and we worked together in many aspects of life apart from politics,” said Tjizera.
The veteran recalled that Katjiuanjo’s homestead was burned by symphathisers of the apartheid regime in 1989 due to his strong standing against colonial oppression.
“He never held back his contribution to the Swapo Party, and continued until we got independence. Today, Swapo stands tall in Aminuis because of his bravery. Borry was not only generous to Swapo, but also to the needy in the community,” he stated.
The two also ventured into business partnerships together.
“He was a successful farmer and generous. It is very sad that he left us, and we will be honouring him with a gift from our company in Okombepera,” Tjizera sadly said.
Katjiuanjo is survived by his wife, 32 children and 134 grandchildren.
Otjandje is situated about 10 km from Okombepera on the way to Otjoruharui.