ONGWEDIVA – Former Cabinet minister Erkki Nghimtina died on Sunday.
He was 78. Nghimtina played a significant role in Namibia’s political and military history, having served as a member of the National Assembly from 1995 to 2020. He held various Cabinet portfolios between 2005 and 2020. His military career began in the Namibia Defence Force, where he occupied several senior positions, including that of assistant director of communications.
Born at Eembidi in the Ohangwena region, Nghimtina started his career in 1970 as a clerk in Oshakati, after which he went into exile with Swapo in 1974 through Oshatotwa, Zambia.
He returned to Namibia in 1989.
Nghimtina was trained in the Soviet Union, and played a pivotal role during Namibia’s war of independence, serving as Swapo’s supervisor for the eastern front until 1979 and later as director of communications for the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan).
After retiring from active military service in 1995, Nghimtina entered politics, initially serving as deputy minister in the Ministry of Defence. He was promoted to minister in the same ministry in 1997, a position he held until 2005.
In 2005, he was appointed minister of mines and energy in president Hifikepunye Pohamba’s Cabinet. In 2010, he was reassigned to head the Ministry of Works and Transport. He was later appointed minister of labour, industrial relations and employment creation in 2015 under late president Hage Geingob, a post he held until 2020.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani fondly remembers Nghimtina as a quiet and reserved politician. Venaani said Nghimtina was not a man of many words in the political arena, but measured, calm, and collected, working tirelessly for the ruling party. Venaani described him as a true Namibian, a friend and fellow farmer, recalling moments they shared meals and discussions together.
“I have lost a good friend and brother,” Venaani said, extending his condolences to the bereaved family, wife and children.
Former prime minister and chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, Nahas Angula, also paid tribute, noting that Nghimtina served as a trustee of the foundation and contributed significantly to national development.
“He dedicated his life to serving the government and the people of Namibia,” said Angula.
Moreover, former Ohangwena governor Billy Mwaningange, said Nghimtina was a true hero, whose work during the struggle for independence will never be forgotten.
Mwaningange recalled their time together before going into exile in 1974, describing themselves as energetic young men trained to become soldiers.
“Nghimtina later rose to become deputy communicator and eventually head of communications in Lubango,” said a long-time friend, Mwaningange.
Political analyst Ben Mulongeni said Nghimtina helped, encouraged and supported him when he was at NBC. “He was like a big brother, guiding and nurturing me with patience and care,” said Mulongeni, describing his friend’s quiet strength and wisdom. He added that his guidance and mentorship inspired confidence and trust in everyone around him.