TSUMEB – The Managing Director of the Ongwediva MediPark, Dr Tshali Iithete, has appealed to the Tsumeb Municipality to enrich the Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo Cultural Museum with historical content related to the life of the late mother of the struggle icon Dr Sam Nujoma.
Iithete described the location of the museum, formerly known as the Tsumeb Cultural Village as the most appropriate venue to roll out memorable information about the woman who gave birth to the most prolific liberation struggle icon amongst many other liberation struggle veterans. The Tsumeb Municipal Council named the museum after ‘Kuku’ Kondombolo in memory of her heroic deeds during the struggle for liberation. Her son, Founding President Sam Nujoma was very instrumental in the establishment of the cultural museum, which was directly copied from the town of Elverum in Norway, which has a twinning agreement with Tsumeb. Following a state visit to Norway shortly after independence, Dr Nujoma directed that the concept of the Elverum museum be copied to Tsumeb as it demonstrates the lifestyle of various ethnic groupings in Namibia. The museum hosts traditional homesteads as portrayed in different parts of the country.
The first female mayor of the town Susan Nghidina implemented the project that has become a popular venue for family outings and parties.
Iithete, who threw a surprise birthday bash for longtime friend and mentor, Eward Kandongo, at the museum over the weekend further said that the town (Tsumeb) attaches a sentimental value to him and those that appreciate the legacy of heroines such as Kuku Kondombolo. “After all, I brought my birthday party also to Tsumeb during April this year. We are not from here but we find solace in the special atmosphere that this town provides hence our decision to direct all our celebrations (birthdays) to the copper town,” said the jovial surgeon.
Kandongo on his part told New Era that the hospitality of the people of Tsumeb has always been a major attraction of the town. “Look, people here are very unique, they speak each other’s languages, eat together, love and like each other, it is something to be proud of each other. We drove from all directions to be associated with peace and humility. The trees also tell the story of a ‘welcoming’ town and the fact that our granny was named and honoured here is just another boost to the image of this special town,” said Kandongo.
Eliphas Hauwala, who was the director of ceremonies said the ‘birthday boy’ (Eward Kandongo) is part of Namibian history that should be filed to tell the stories of the “unknown soldiers” who also contributed immensely towards the struggle for freedom and independence.
“Comrade Kandongo was our platoon commander, and commanded about 1 500 PLAN soldiers in exile. Therefore, we must respect him and others for their heroic deeds as well but also live life to the fullest and enjoy life responsibly, because we accomplished the mission to liberate our country.” Hauwala added that Tsumeb has also produced great leaders such as Swapo Party Vice-President Dr Hage Geingob, amongst many others, and that the town became a focal point for mass political mobilisation campaigns during the apartheid era. The party was attended by close to 100 acquaintances, family and relatives of Kandongo.
Engel Nawatiseb