Adolf Kaure
Khomasdal’s Rand Street is set to be renamed to honour former ambassador and politician, Joshua //Hoëbeb (90).
The street’s renaming was approved during the latest City of Windhoek Council’s ordinary meeting on Friday.
Rand Street is a distributor road which is approximately 2.1km in length and strategically traverses sections of both Khomasdal and Katutura.
Family representative Allan Weiko said that the renaming of the street will enjoy strong community support and stand as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy continues to inspire Namibians, particularly the youth.
“The renaming of Rand Street to Joshua //Hoëbeb Street is a fitting and deserved honour for a statesman of such calibre,” Weiko wrote to the city council during the application process.
Deputy Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCRN), Pastor Abraham //Kheibeb also wrote that “given his background in helping shape the post and independent Namibia and the contributions he has made to this country, I’m confident that he deserves recognition and he must be honoured by having Rand Street changed to Joshua //Hoëbeb Street.
Let us celebrate our national heroes for their achievements.
Background
Affectionately known as ‘Meester’, ambassador //Hoëbeb was born on 14 August 1935 at Rooikraal in the Omaheke region.His distinguished life of service saw him contribute to the nation of Namibia in a range of critical roles, including those of community activist, educator, diplomat and regional governor.
Prior to independence, he was an educator at Martin Luther High School, where he mentored and shaped the minds of many individuals who went on to become leaders in post-independence Namibia.As a politically conscious young man and active community organiser, he endured imprisonment, harassment, and various forms of intimidation under the apartheid regime.
His activism led to multiple detentions across different towns because of his resistance to oppression.
Together with many others, he played a key role in rallies, mobilisation, and political education efforts, particularly in Katutura. With the dawn of independence, ambassador //Hoëbeb was appointed as Namibia’s first high commissioner to South Africa.
During his tenure, he played a key role in the historic negotiations that led to the reintegration of Walvis Bay into Namibia’s sovereignty in 1994.
He later served as high commissioner to Botswana, where he helped maintain strong bilateral relations despite the challenges following the International Court of Justice ruling in the Kasikili/Sedudu Island dispute.
Later, under the leadership of former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, he was appointed as governor of the Kunene region. Politically, ambassador //Hoëbeb held several senior positions within the Swapo, including membership of both the central committee and the politburo.
-akaure@nepc.com.na