Zebaldt Ngaruka
The National Unity Democratic Organisation’s president Utjiua Muiinjangue says the party is saddened and shocked by the passing on of former Otjinene constituency councillor Adolph Kaikakuire Kangootui.
He died on 25 June 2023 in Windhoek, following a short illness, and will be laid to rest this Sunday at Ozombuzovindimba – the heritage site for the Ovaherero community – in the Otjinene constituency.
The late Kangootui was also a member of the Nudo executive council and national council, which are the party’s politburo and central committee, respectively.
In an interview with New Era, Muiinjangue said the death of the former councillor is untimely and difficult to accept.
«It was really untimely. We did not expect that he would go so soon,» Muiinjangue said.
The politician described Kangootui as an astute strategist and a positive thinker, who wanted to see action.
She added that some of the plans being executed today by the current Otjinene constituency councillor Erwin Katjizeu stemmed from the strategic vision of the late Kangootui.
“He brought people together and never played divisive politics. He worked with all traditional authorities or political parties in the Otjinene constituency and the entire Omaheke region,” Muiinjangue recalled.
“We worked together during my reign as the leader of the genocide foundation, and that led to the declaration of Ozombuzovindimba as a national heritage site,” remembered Muiinjangue.
On his part, Katjizeu told New Era the late Kangootui was a hardworking, loyal member of the constituency and Omaheke regional council.
“He has gone too soon. He was a fierce, passionate political juggernaut and stood for what he believed in – even if it meant challenging the status quo at the regional council for the benefit of the Otjinene constituency,” Katjizeu said.
Katjizeu, amongst others, added that one of Kangootui’s biggest achievements was his contribution to the upgrading of Otjinene road to bitumen standard, which today paved the way for investors to come to our beloved constituency.
Additionally, Otjinene resident Phillip Kavetuna said the late councillor was a brave man, who never wavered from his tender age at Swanu party.
“Our constituency is developing fast because of him. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Otjinene Village Council and fought for the Trans-Kalahari road to pass through Okondjatu and Ohorongo Ombaranga settlement,” remembered Kavetuna.
Kavetuna added that Kangootui’s request on the extension of five kilometres of Otjinene boundaries to all corners eight years ago to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba is still pending.
More so, Kapukaa Hangero, who is from Otjinoko village, where the late Kangootui hails from, said their village lost a very clever person, who always helped a lot in their village.
“He left us unexpectedly, and he was a very useful person, especially by the Ovaherero Traditional Authority. I recalled the year he hosted a Christmas celebration for Otjinoko residents when he stepped down from the constituency post,” explained Hangero.
Kangootui was 68 years old and was recognised as a war veteran by the government. He is survived by five children and 10 grandchildren.