Uakutura Kambaekua 

OPUWO – Chief Tjimbuare Thom of the Vita Royal House will be laid to rest at the Katutura burial site in Opuwo on 22 February 2025.

Chief Thom died at his homestead in Omuhoro village in the Okangwati settlement last Thursday after a prolonged illness. 

He was 92. His nephew, Masatu Thomo, confirmed the chief’s death to Nampa on Monday.

He described his late uncle as a dedicated liberation icon and a unifier who fostered just leadership in Kunene region.

Chief Thom significantly contributed to the advancement of modern agriculture, particularly through advocating modern livestock branding – a crucial method for identifying livestock ownership and managing herds, especially in areas prone to theft, he said. “The chief was among the few who promoted and educated others about modern farming practices, particularly branding and ear- tagging. 

He made sure all farmers in Kaokoland responded to the government’s calls for adopting modern methods to mitigate livestock theft in the region,” Thom stated. 

He further noted that Chief Thom championed equal opportunities for all, and facilitated growth and peaceful transition of power among traditional authorities. 

Chief Thom became the leader following his father Johannes Kapuka Thom’s death in 2009. 

He was officially recognised by the government, and gazetted as chief of the Vita Royal House in 2011. 

He is survived by four wives, 20 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

-Nampa