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By Namibian Udo W. Froese
“Black and white will be able to understand one another if the South African government abolishes these apartheid laws. We try to speak with the whites to make clear to them what the blacks want, but they reject this. And sometimes they say that this country belongs to the whites, for some of them were born here. All right, we say, you can stay here if you recognise a black government. That is what we want, for the country belongs to us.”
Those were Comrade Aaron Mushimba’s words to authors Alfred Babing and Hans-Dieter Braeuer in their historic book, “NAMIBIA.”
And this is what he achieved in his lifetime. It is a historic achievement indeed.
During the time of the interview for the above-mentioned book, Comrade Mushimba was living in Namibia and was a Swapo national organiser. He was jailed 17 times and severely tortured, which caused a lifelong limp.
The occupying apartheid forces were determined that the late Mushimba should not get out alive. He was sentenced to death on charges of terrorism.
But, the anti-imperialist movement could not be stopped. Worldwide protests would see to it that Comrade Mushimba would eventually be set free and the sentence remained a scrap of paper.
A reconciliatory Aaron Mushimba had an open and forgiving mind.
His was a generous character. As is well known, he became one of the most successful businessmen in the history of Namibia with wide interests in almost all sectors of his country’s economy.
He also introduced me to some of his business partners in South Africa. We met in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Windhoek, often sharing our thoughts on the economic development of Namibia, South Africa and the region.
Aaron Mushimba was a shrewd and well-connected businessman and a caring father, who loved life and the freedom of his country.
He took pride in his business achievements. But, he was never boastful or insensitive. His advice was always thought through and usually spot-on.
His sense of humour was good, if somewhat formal, if I may observe it that way. I remember, the famous South African musician and trumpeter, 75-year-old Hugh Masekela, Aaron Mushimba and I sitting in Aaron’s hotel suite in Sandton, Johannesburg, chatting and joking and laughing out loud, while Aaron sat with his crutches next to him shortly after his knee operation.
Bra Hugh and I agree that Aaron Mushimba was an extraordinary human being with his heart in the right place. He still had great plans for Namibia’s heritage in his drive to leave a legacy.
Comrade and friend Aaron Mushimba, I salute you and will miss you and your wisdom. You’ll remain an icon for many Namibians including myself, who want to achieve a better life for all, at, home in Namibia.
May your dear family know that most of us in Namibia and outside stand by you in these sad times. You are in our prayers.
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Udo W. Froese is a non-institutionalised, independent political and socio-economic analyst and columnist, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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