Zebaldt Ngaruka
It was exactly one year ago today that late Archbishop Petrus Daniel Katikisa Tjijombo of the now-renamed Father Tjijombo St John’s Faith Mission died.
Tjijombo died on 16 June 2023 at his residence in Katutura.
The late Tjijombo was recognised as a war veteran, and was also accorded an official funeral by the government.
Speaking to New Era, church spokesperson Uazenga Ngahahe said the event will take place at the church in the heart of Katutura today.
“In Epukiro, the event will be in Omaueuozonjanda at Otjikatumba, where the late Tjijombo performed his church duties in the 1960s. This is the place where he was given a dream of building a church in the then Otjimati village before it was proclaimed a settlement,” said Ngahahe.
The spokesperson added that since it is the first commemorative event for the clergyman, affectionately known as ‘Muhonge Tjijombo’, other branches countrywide will also pay homage at their respective venues.
“This day is significant to all Namibians, as the late Tjijombo was a man of all seasons. It is equivalent to the national event due to the archbishop’s unwavering support for the country’s independence against colonial oppressors,” he added.
Amongst his contributions to the liberation struggle, Tjijombo was arrested by the South African apartheid regime soldiers when he was sent by Swapo to collect money at the Buitepos area through his missionary work in the fight against the repugnant apartheid regime.
“Archbishop was brave, principled and good at inspiring people in many aspects of their lives. He was a father figure in our society, and his contribution to political liberation earned him several recognitions, among them a street name in Katutura. The former Spreuke Street is now named PDK Tjijombo Street,” Ngahahe said.
The event will start at 19h00, with pastor Raonga Kuzatjike of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Macedonia Parish, leading the procedures.
“The Father Tjijombo St John’s Faith Mission’s brass band and choirs from various churches will perform at the honorary event,” he said.
Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua will be among the senior dignitaries.
“We also expect different community leaders, traditional and political leaders, as well as Swapo stalwarts and seasoned diplomat Kaire Mbuende to deliver a speech,” said Ngahahe.