Vice President Nangolo Mbumba described struggle hero Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo as a great freedom fighter, a great statesman and a true patriotic Namibian.

He said this during the unveiling of a statue of Ya Toivo at the Ondangwa Airport in Oshana region on Friday.

Ya Toivo died at the age of 93 in 2017, and was honoured with a statue as part of maintaining his legacy after the Ondangwa airport was renamed after him in 2019.

In July 2014, a proposal was made to rename Ondangwa Airport in honour of the late liberation struggle hero, Ya Toivo – and after his death in June 2017, these talks gained momentum and Cabinet finally approved the proposal in 2018.

Mbumba said Ya Toivo was one of humanity’s great leaders, who left Namibians with memories of a true liberation icon, and whose life, sacrifices and extraordinary contribution to freedom continue to inspire Namibians.

“The statue unveiled is a meaningful tribute to a man, who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity,” he said. 

Mbumba added that Ya Toivo embodied the highest values of bravery, peace, compassion and human dignity. 

He further quoted President Hage Geingob, who said of Ya Toivo, “We have lost a man who epitomises the core ideals that make us the nation we are today. His durable principles and inexhaustible reservoir of compassion, forgiveness, patience and sense of justice allowed him to shun the murky waters of greed and factionalism”.

Mbumba further said it is, therefore, befitting to have renamed this strategic national asset in honour of the illustrious freedom fighter from Omangundu village, Onayena constituency.

“From this day on, all Namibians, visitors from near and far and residents of Ondangwa, will be inspired by the late Andima Toivo ya Toivo’s legacy by looking at this magnificent statue,” he said.

He added he might be smiling wherever he is, saying, ‘stop wasting time; go and work, and develop this country’.

Vicki Ya Toivo described her late husband as a man who had a vision for the Namibian people, and a determined leader who fought for the Namibian people.

“Ya Toivo was a humble man, a progressive and forward-looking person, who would have done anything for his people,” she said.

The Ya Toivo family further said they are proud and grateful to have been part of the tribute celebration at Ondangwa. 

Oshana governor Elia Irimari thanked government and the Ya Toivo family for taking a collective decision to install a monumental statue at the Ondangwa airport, signifying honour and tribute for the sacrifice the late Ya Toivo made.

“The statue is an indication that Ya Toivo will forever hold a special place in many Namibians’ hearts because of his dedication to the service of the Namibian people,” he said.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na