Condolence messages streamed in yesterday for veteran politician Rudolph Hijonganda Kamburona, who died in the early hours of Friday in the Windhoek Central Hospital.
The veteran politician died after a long battle with cancer.
He was aged 62 and his death again puts under the spotlight the high number of Namibians succumbing to cancer.
Kamburona the former Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) secretary for agriculture, water, land and food security will be buried at his home village of Otjimanangombe in Epukiro, in Omaheke Region on May 10.
Kamburona’s death comes three months after his father’s death. The latter was the renowned Protestant Unity Church (Oruuano) Bishop Assaria Cleophas Kamburona.
He was one of the longest-serving members of the DTA prior to his resignation in January 2008. DTA president McHenry Venaani yesterday described Kamburona as an activist of note who contributed towards the growth and development of the country.
“It is sad that just as we agreed that he will rejoin the party he had to die,” said a grief-stricken Venaani.
He said Kamburona was a patriotic fighter whose contribution dates back to the early days of his life.
“I owe my whole political career to him; he was a friend of my father and this friendship was extended to me – I am sitting with tears in my eyes,” reminisced Venaani.
He called on all DTA members to render their full support to the Kamburona family during this difficult time of bereavement.
“The DTA will treat Kamburona’s death just as that of a party member,” he said.
RDP secretary for information and publicity, Jeremiah Nambinga described him as a hardworking, honest person who was always articulate in what he said.
“He was a national asset and the country has lost an irreplaceable asset,” he said, adding that Kamburona was someone whom you could always rely on.
“Since he was the most senior member in the party Kamburona commanded respect and he will always agree with the decision of the masses,” he said.
He described Kamburona as a gentle and unassuming man who had the ability to focus on the important things in life.
Swanu of Namibia president Usutuaije Maamberua said Kamburona would always be remembered for his friendliness, hand work and commitment to the well-being of every Namibian.
“Kamburona was an eloquent person who contributed significantly to debates at national level,” he said.
He said in Kamburona, Namibia has lost a versatile politician who could have made a momentous contribution to parliament.
He is survived by his wife Ueriija, daughter Uatotjari and two sons Himeezembi and Tjavanga and an undetermined number of children born out of wedlock.