OMBUGA YA MUNYOKO – Renowned banker and former Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry northern branch chairman Tomas Koneka Iindji was laid to rest at his home village, Ombuga ya Munyoko, on Saturday.
He was 44. Iindji, known affectionately as ‘Omukokoli’, died last month at a Windhoek hospital after a short illness.
Scores of mourners from all walks of life thronged Ombuga ya Munyoko to pay their last respects. Approximately
10 000 mourners, including Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Cabinet ministers, regional governors, the business community, church leaders, the banking fraternity and politicians attended the burial.
Most described the late Iindji as an active, dedicated and selfless man.
In a statement delivered on her behalf by Swapo central committee member Naemi Hamufenu, party vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia has lost a dedicated and hardworking professional who distinguished himself as a highly experienced banker and business leader.
“Over the years, Iindji has served as a dedicated leader of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) in the northern part. He contributed to the growth of the NCCI,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, adding that Iindji was a mouthpiece for the business community in the northern regions. “With his passing, death has robbed our country of a trusted business executive whose void will be difficult to fill,” she said. Comforting the family, Nandi-Ndaitwah said they lost a dependable member who was a pillar of strength, a father, a provider and a role model.
“A few years ago, he initiated a social organisation namely the Koneka Social Club, named after himself, which promoted and carried out welfare programmes for the youth, elderly and formerly disadvantaged Namibians, especially in the Oshana region,” she reminisced. Also speaking at the occasion, Iindji’s nephew Willem Amutenya said, “He inspired and motivated us in all spheres, be it business, academics, leadership or politics, especially the
young people in the family.”
He added that his late uncle connected and strengthened their bond in the family with his charisma. The business community described Iindji as a courteous man who did not discriminate. At the memorial service, villagers stated that Iindji was always kind and assisted them.
Also speaking at the funeral was Hosea Namusha, the pastor of Othika Elcin Parish. He said Iindji leaves a huge void in their congregation.
“He supported our church financially. Whenever we were raising funds, he was always present. We lost a great father,” the man of the cloth said. Namusha described Iindji as a God-fearing man whose love for spreading the gospel was unparalleled. He is survived by wife Iyaalo Shiimi-Iindji and two daughters.
– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na