By Juuso Kambueshe
The death of late Chief Clemens Kapuuo was the reason I was introduced to cross cultural traditional information, and it was the very first time I learned about the traditional Chief of the Otjiherero speaking community in our country.
The benefit of the Ekuru Hungi revealed that significant emphasis was directed to the decorated history of Piet Uys, Dirkie Uys, Piet Retief, Gerrit Maritz, Andries Potgieter, Louis Trichard, Vorster, Malan, Pienaar, Botha, etc.….
There was not much to learn except if you were included in the traditional EhungiI , but unfortunately I was deprived by age.
I continued to rely on the Omakuru Hungi and our elders regarding Namibian traditional history, virtues and its beautiful people passed on various bits of information and knowledge.
As a nation mourns the fall of the giant I would like to be added to the list of those that have been humble to extend a tribute to the Late Paramount Chief Kuaima Riruako.
The sense of loss and deep sadness should be complemented by the celebration of the life of a legend that has left clear GPS coordinates for the younger generation to achieve unity of purpose and economic emancipation.
The few times that I have met the chief in Swakopmund left good memories of the late Chief. The very last public activity on his diary was in Swakopmund and I had the honor and privilege to have knelt down as a sign of respect that is also custom to our Aakwanilwa (Komuthigululwakalo Gwaawambo)
During our dinner that evening I respectfully excused myself as a sign of respect being again a cross-traditional custom, I also would not be able to invite myself to a dinner with our Omukwaniilwa.
I have learned the importance of traditional virtues and obligation of each individual that we have to fight for our standing in society by pledging to Unity in diversity as well as tolerance to different views.
It is a custom to extend condolences, however there is always an obligation to each individual to self reflect and to pledge a contribution to the legacy of the late Chief.
Wednesday evening at the Swakopmund Commando, I participated in the joy of celebrating the life of the hero and the pledge to extend selfless contribution for the common good of our Swakopmund community.
I feel highly privileged to have been given the honor to contribute on behalf of our International Holiday Resort the holiday City of Swakopmund our heart felt condolences and a RIP message to the NUDO PARTY, the Ova Herero Traditional authorities, the leaders of the Omarapi jetatu and indeed the Community of Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Walvis Bay and Arandis.
To the Entire Riruako family especially to the widow we have sent a special message with Dr Hoze Riruako expressing our heart felt condolences and best wishes.
May the soul of our Paramount Chief rest in peace.