Former education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa died in a Windhoek hospital yesterday after a battle with stomach cancer. She was 57.
Her husband, Ghenno Himarwa, said his wife will be treasured for the joy she brought into their lives.
The late Hanse-Himarwa is fondly remembered as a mother, teacher and politician, and those closest to her will remember her for unwavering strength and compassion.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sorrowful news of the passing of my
beloved wife. She departed from this world peacefully on 14 July 2024 at 05h15, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and cherished memories that we
will hold dear forever,” he announced.
He added: “Her unwavering strength, compassion and the joy she brought into our lives will forever be remembered. During this difficult time, I ask
for your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this profound loss together.”
Hanse-Himarwa was born on 22 January 1967 in Hoachanas in the Hardap region. She was a teacher by profession, who held a Basic Education Teacher’s Diploma obtained in 1995 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Management Technology, obtained in 1999. Hanse-Himarwa has been working as a teacher and school principal since 1987.
She served as minister of Education, Arts and Culture from 21 March 2015 to 9 July 2019.
She was one of the eight presidential appointees to become a non-voting member of Parliament. Late president
Hage Geingob appointed her minister of education. Before that assignment, the bubbly politician served as the governor of the Hardap region after winning the Mariental
Rural constituency in the 2004 local elections for the Swapo Party.
President Nangolo Mbumba yesterday said the passing of Hanse-Himarwa robs the nation of a patriot, who fought courageously for the birth of an independent nation in which the Namibian learner and child could gain access to education, and pursue his or her dreams.
“The achievements of comrade Hanse-Himarwa as a passionate teacher and educationalist are highly commendable. Undoubtedly, the Namibian learner and the nation at large have benefited immensely from her contributions as a teacher and head teacher,” said the President.
Swapo Party Women’s Council secretary Fransina Kahungu told New Era yesterday that the last conversation she had with her was on 9 June 2024, when she was informed of her health status.
“She told me she was in pain, and that she was holding on to faith. The support she was getting from her family and friends gave her strength, and she was grateful for that. When I heard of her passing today, I didn’t expect it because her voice showed a different Katrina, bubbly and always full of life,” recalled the Women’s Council leader.
Kahungu said she will remember Hanse-Himarwa for her sharpness, honesty and frankness. She said the late Hanse-Himarwa was an enabler, a mover who made things happen. She had a humorous presence wherever she was, and that was deeply felt.
“I must say as an educator, she became a role model to many. As a woman, she was liberated, and respected the values of family. This is a sister who wanted women to make their presence felt at the altar of decision-making,” she added.
Kahungu said Namibia and the region where she comes from lost a pillar and leader. “We give thanks to the Hardap region for giving us such a person who was an exemplary and hardworking woman who contributed a lot to this country.”
Secretary general (SG) of Swapo Sophia Shaningwa informed that Hanse-Himarwa joined the party during the most difficult time under the mentorship of the late Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi.
She added that Hanse-Himarwa mobilised extensively and campaigned vigorously, for the independence of Namibia.
“The passing on of Hanse-Himarwa is, therefore, not only a great loss to her family, the neighbourhood and community she lived in but also to the Swapo Party and the Namibian nation at large. Her name shall forever be embedded in the history of our country on the good side of those who sacrificed their lives for our eternal freedom and never wavered,” said the SG.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, in a statement said Hanse-Himarwa served the people of Namibia with dedication and distinction throughout her tenure as a legislator and as a minister.
“Her contributions to education and regional governance were invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she served. In Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, we have lost a dedicated public servant whose contributions to our nation will be cherished and remembered for years. Her leadership in education and governance has left an indelible mark on our society,” he detailed.
The official opposition Popular Democratic Movement’s president McHenry Venaani said “It’s sad to hear about the demise of a dear colleague and friend, the former minister Katrina ‘Hurricane’ Hanse-Himarwa.”
“She was beautiful, controversial, a bully and kind-hearted all at once. We convey our deepest condolences to Mr Himarwa and their children. Aai ti xuro, rest softly,” he tweeted.
Venaani stated that Hanse-Himarwa’s contributions to the nation, as well as her accomplishments in leadership and public service, shall not be forgotten.
Kunene governor Marius Sheya indicated that she groomed, made, mentored and nurtured him, crediting her for instilling confidence and steadfastness in his conviction and belief. “The mother, teacher and the politician in my life. I am because of you. Outnumbered you stood, alone-you stood, misunderstood-you stood, humiliated-you stood, criticised-you stood. You were and will always remain Katrina,” he said.