By Dr Michael Tjivikua “Wherefore, O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to grasp the secrets of the Day of God. Inform yourselves of the evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned. Open your lips in praise. Adduce convincing arguments and proofs. Lead those who thirst to the fountain of life; grant ye true health to the ailing. Be ye apprentices of God; be ye physicians directed by God, and heal ye the sick among mankind.” – Baha’i Writings On the 26th April 2006, Dr MosÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚© Penaani Tjitendero passed away and his soul eternally joined the ancestors. Though the widow and children, family and friends feel the vacuum left by his absence, they take solace in the fact that his revolutionary spirit continues to inspire them. His parents were born of the surviving group from the German genocide that took place from 1904-1908. In fact, his ancestors were kept as prisoners in the notorious German Schutztruppe concentration camps. It was therefore befitting that he devoted his entire life to the liberation of Namibia at a very young age. He spent a quarter century of his life fighting for the freedom and liberation of Namibia, and the total emancipation of its oppressed people, and preparing himself and others to lead a country free from colonialism, apartheid and oppression. His achievements in exile are innumerable. He graduated from world class universities eventually earning a Doctoral degree. With his comrades, he campaigned tirelessly around the world for the complete deliverance of Namibia. No wonder, his academic and political work molded him to be the world statesman he became. To call him an academic diplomat is a suitable description of the political acumen and scholarly intellectual characteristics he espoused. As first Speaker of the Namibian Parliament, his impeccable negotiation skills saw him master the art of reconciliation in an august house packed with former adversaries. He left indelible political and academic tracks in Namibian history as well on the world stage. President Hifikepunye Pohamba honoured him with a State funeral and declared him a national hero. His family takes courage and comfort in the virtues and values they learned from him which continue to serve as inspiration to many he acquainted. His legacy of service and leadership as written in the books of history, will long be in our memories. Many remember him as a radiant spirit who saw goodness and beauty in the world around him and who cared passionately for social justice and the progress and wellbeing of all peoples.