RUNDU – President Nangolo Mbumba has described the life of the late retired Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) clergyman and liberation struggle hero, Reverend Asser Kazumba Lihongo, as a testament to the ethos of extraordinary faith, unshakeable resilience and selfless service.
Lihongo, who died on 10 June 2024 at the age of 92, was laid to rest in an official burial at Mupini Cemetery in the Kavango West region on Saturday.
“Although the loss of this distinguished patriot pulls at the strings of our wounded hearts, we can take solace in the fact that he has lived an admirable life defined by hard work, sacrifice and dedication, resulting in numerous accomplishments geared towards the advancement of social justice and freedom,’’ said President Mbumba, whose speech was read on his behalf by international relations minister Peya Mushelenga at the official memorial and burial.
Mbumba said Rev Lihongo’s service to ELCIN in various capacities had a significant impact on the faith fraternity in Namibia. Ordained in 1964 as a pastor, his crowning accomplishment was translating the Bible into Rukwangali between 1970 and 1986.
“This dedication required him not only to master English, but also Greek and Hebrew, demonstrating his innate acumen for interpreting theological literature, and an unwavering resolve to bring scripture to his people,’’ he said.
Lihongo studied Bible translation at St Andrew’s College of the Selly Oak Colleges, Birmingham, England. While pursuing his education in England, he was able to leverage the English language, which was instrumental in the translation of the Bible.
Between 1970 and 1997, Lihongo also served as a Dean of the Eastern Diocese. Due to the nature of the work involved in the translation of the Bible, he requested to be relieved from leading the deanery and concentrate on the translation work.
Mbumba said Lihongo’s work was marked by significant challenges at the hands of the oppressive apartheid regime.
“Reverend Lihongo faced prolonged periods of arrest and detention during his translation work, which included court trials,’’ he said.
His contribution extended far beyond the church walls.
“He served as a People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) fighter, providing vital intelligence and support to Swapo. He was arrested countless times alongside Amos Kanime, Jaakko Kangayi, Herson Nghilindilwa and many others. These arrests, due to his aid to Plan fighters during church service, also resulted in the detention of his pregnant daughter and his wife,’’ Mbumba noted.
At Independence, Lihongo played a crucial role in the reintegration of Namibians returning from exile, a task he fulfilled with compassion and dedication. The reintegration of returning Namibians was sentimental, as they were reunited with their families.
“Thus, today, we stand united in grief and simultaneously heartened by celebration as we commemorate the remarkable life journey of an esteemed Son of the Namibian Soil, who significantly contributed to the progress of the religious fraternity and the Namibian liberation struggle. We can, therefore, attest, with confidence, that comrade Lihongo’s participation and influence in shaping the Namibian political landscape towards total independence is firmly established in the annals of Namibian history,’’ the President said.
Lihongo was born on 14 April 1932 at Mupini Village in Kavango West. He was married to mee Elina Lihongo, who passed on in 2018. They had four children, of whom only one survived (Verna Nangura Lihongo).
“While we grieve the loss of our beloved father, reverend, comrade and uncle, let us take a moment to remember, appreciate and celebrate a remarkable 92 years of a life well-lived, a life of purpose, and a life of inspiration. Let us find comfort in the richness of his experience, the depth of wisdom he shared, and the enduring impact he has left on our lives,’’ Mbumba said.
Founding President Sam Nujoma, through his foundation, sent a message of condolences to the bereaved family.
“As the late comrade Reverend Asser Lihongo takes a befitting rest, allow me on behalf of the veterans of our national liberation struggle, the Nujoma family and indeed on my own behalf, to extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the children, grandchildren and the entire bereaved family, as well as all comrades and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia for this irreparable loss,’’ he said.
Nujoma said although the passing on of Lihongo caused deep sorrow and grief to the family, Namibians and his family should nevertheless celebrate his exemplary deeds as he devoted his life to his family, his community, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia.
-jmuyamba@nepc.com.na