EENHANA – Liberation struggle veteran and former Cabinet minister Erkki Nghimtina was laid to rest on Saturday at the Eenhana memorial shrine in the Ohangwena region, with the nation describing him as a disciplined, loyal and selfless servant of Namibia.

He passed away at his home in Edundja village, Ohangwena region, on 8 February, aged 78. 

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Eenhana memorial shrine to send off a man described by many as a committed freedom fighter and servant of the Namibian people, having served in cabinet from 1997 until his retirement in 2020. 

As the casket was lowered into the grave and the first 17-gun salute was fired, mourners were overwhelmed with emotion.

It was a poignant farewell to a liberation struggle veteran celebrated for his contributions
both before and after independence.

On Friday, during the memorial service, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in a message delivered by Vice President Witbooi, described Nghimtina as a courageous leader driven by an unwavering purpose to serve both his party and the government. 

“Nghimtina approached every task entrusted to him with humility and discipline. He carried out every role assigned to him with selfless dedication. His commitment to service defined his political life,” she said.

Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said Nghimtina’s contribution to the nation could not be measured. 

“His contribution to the nation is immeasurable,” Pohamba said, recalling the time they worked together in government. 

He considered their common vision for development, especially the plans to extend the Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway, which he noted demonstrated Nghimtina’s emphasis on long-term national growth.

Pohamba described him as a dependable leader, who understood the responsibility that came with public office.

Swapo secretary general Shaningwa described the late veteran as a pillar of the party.

“He was a steadfast member, whose loyalty and legacy will be long remembered by the party,” she said. She noted that Nghimtina remained committed to Swapo’s values throughout his life and served the movement with discipline and humility.

Speaking on behalf of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, chairman Nahas Angula said Nghimtina’s death is a significant loss to the foundation and the nation at large.

“He was one of the trusted trustees appointed by our Founding President, Sam Nujoma, to safeguard the vision and mission of the foundation,” Angula said.

He added that Nghimtina brought valuable knowledge and wisdom to the foundation, representing a generation that carried the burden of liberation and later accepted governance responsibilities without seeking recognition.

Nghimtina is survived by his widow, Ester Nghidimbwa, and 18 children. 

-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na