Colleagues, comrades and fellow councillors have hailed late councillor Aili Venonya as a selfless community servant, who will be remembered for her invaluable contributions and sacrifice.
She died on Sunday, 9 October 2022 at the age of 59. President Hage Geingob has extended a message of condolences to her bereaved family. In a message sent to the media yesterday, he said, “The passing of honourable Aili Venonya is a big loss to the residents of the Moses //Garoeb constituency and the entire Namibian nation. Honourable Venonya contributed to the hospitality sector and the socio-economic development of the constituency. The Namibian nation and the Swapo party have lost a great leader, who served her people diligently. During this difficult time of bereavement, Namibia mourns a remarkable woman who devoted her life to youth and women’s empowerment. On behalf of the government, I extend sincere condolences to the children, the bereaved family and the entire Moses //Garoeb community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Politicians have decribed her as a selfless community servant.
Venonya died at the Paramount hospital in Windhoek as she was battling cancer for a long time. Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua on Wedneday described her as a committed leader who was discussing her outstanding obligation even on her sickbed.
She said during her last days in hospital, most of the topics were about her outstanding obligation on the office table, ongoing activities at the council and her constituency, and her relentless church assignments.
“We are mourning a life well-lived, a life of memorable friendship, great sacrifices of a consultative leader, community activist, selfless community servant, generous foot soldier and loyal and patriotic Namibian citizen,” said Katjirua. Swapo Women’s Council secretary Fransina Kahungu characterised Venonya as a courageous, fearless, resolute, warm and loving soul, who committed herself to facilitating the provision of basic services to residents of
Moses //Garoeb, being a noble servant to her people. “She was an embracer of diversity as she helped and advised many people from all walks of life. Given her commitment and hard work, comrade Venonya ran a cooking and nutrition training business. This provided educational and livelihood opportunities for youth from all social categories. She allowed many students to be taught without paying for the training, especially those from poor backgrounds. Indeed, we are celebrating the rich history and life of this wonderful woman who had embraced so many people into her life. The Ombili Community Centre, where she served as a board member for many years, and its users benefitted greatly from her management skills.
“Mee Aili, as she was affectionately known, was committed to the total emancipation of her people since 2003 when she was the Swapo section leader in the Moses //Garoeb constituency,” she added.
Kahungu, who has known Venonya since 2003, said the late politician assisted many people in getting job opportunities at the Kalahari Sands Hotel, where she worked as a chef. She furthermore served as a Reach for Recovery volunteer at the Cancer Association of Namibi,a and also served in various positions in Swapo, including district treasurer, information and mobilisation officer, coordinator and regional authority councillor of the Moses //Garoeb constituency.
She is survived by one daughter and four sons. Windhoek mayor Sade Gawanas described Venonya as an energetic and enthusiastic councillor, who worked for her people.