The Chief Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine, which was officially unveiled yesterday at Toasis in Omaheke region’s Aminuis constituency, should be viewed in correspondence with Kutako’s principles and ideals of unity, nationalism and the development of all Namibians.
This was the key message from President Nangolo Mbumba during the inauguration yesterday, where he joined hundreds of Omaheke residents and Namibians from all walks of life to officiate the historic memorial museum and homestead shrine.
The decision to construct a memorial museum at the anti-colonial leader’s homestead stems from late President Hage Geingob’s numerous visits to the late Kutako’s residence. At the time, the late Geingob felt the state of the late Kutako’s home did not befit
the legacy of a man of Kutako’s stature and history; and a decision was then made and fully endorsed during the 2018 second national land conference to construct a state-of-the-art memorial museum and homestead shrine.
Yesterday, Mbumba reminded Namibians that Kutako dedicated his entire life to the ideals and principles of national unity, development, progress and respect for human dignity and most importantly, was a fierce fighter against colonial oppression.
Therefore, Mbumba requested and maintained that those who will be making use of the facility should preserve it and treat it in a way and fashion that reflects and respects Kutako’s ideals and principles.
“Our late Chief Kutako is a revered man globally, from here at home all the way to the headquarters of the United Nations in America. He stood firm when things were very difficult; he stood firm when the enemy of the time was fully armed and ready to kill, and he strongly believed in the ideals of nationalism. That is why today, he is remembered and honoured as the father of Namibian nationalism. That is why I am calling and urging all Namibians to
take care of this place in his honour and in the honour of our late President Geingob,” said Mbumba.
The head of state further buttressed his message around unity and solidarity, saying the memorial museum and homestead shrine belongs to all traditional leaders, traditional formations as well as all Namibians.
“This memorial museum and homestead shrine does not belong to any entity or person; it belongs to all Namibians because it was built through the efforts of all Namibians. It is our national symbol to honour the memory of Chief Kutako. That is why we must be united and preserve this shrine as it belongs to all.”
Kutako is one of nine national heroes of Namibia who were identified at the inauguration of the country’s Heroes’ Acre and is honoured in the form of a granite tombstone, with his name engraved and a portrait plastered onto the slab.
Windhoek’s international airport, the country’s primary international airport, is named after him and a life-size bust was erected at the headquarters of the United Nations on 22 November 1962 as a gift from the Africa Bureau.