KEETMANSHOOP – Although bedridden as a result of wounds inflicted on her by the repugnant apartheid regime, Ida Jimmy-Haeiros (78) has not given up her political activism.
She is one of many heroes and heroines, whose dedication and commitment to seeing a free and independent Namibia fuelled the country’s liberation struggle.
In a telephonic interview from her farm in Bethanie, in the southwestern part of Namibia, Jimmy-Haeiros narrated her incredible political journey of resistance and perseverance against the former colonial South African apartheid regime.
“I grew up in a family house in Lüderitz with different races – and as children, we were never discriminated against, as we were told that ‘Buchters’ are one nation,” she reminisced.
Already alive to the importance of equal rights for all, Jimmy-Haeiros was introduced to politics at a tender age.
“Growing up and seeing how our ‘tates’ [Owambo men] from the northern part of our country were exploited in the south at fishing factories and diamond mines through cheap labour, deplorable living conditions and harassment ignited my resistance against apartheid,” she said.
Due to her Afrikaans language proficiency, she landed a supervisory job at one of the fishing factories in Lüderitz in the late 60s.
It was during that time that she experienced the brunt of apartheid.
“Members of the apartheid South African security forces also arrested, blindfolded and severely assaulted me and other comrades, interrogating us on why we joined a ‘Wambo terrorist organisation’ and also about the whereabouts of our other comrades,” she said.
After the detention, she had swollen fingers and arms due to the assault and was fired from the factory the same day.
But this did not dent her political resolve, as she continued mobilising Swapo while also sensitising people to stand up against apartheid.
“From that time, there was no turning back but standing up for my people’s rights; hence, I joined the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) in the north. Those years, we were forced to hide our membership cards out of fear of being assaulted by the apartheid security forces,” she recounted.
Her life changed forever after the Cassinga massacre in 1978 when the South African army descended on the refugee camp, killing innocent civilians and children.
She was arrested again during a rally in Gobabis and imprisoned for five years over her political activities.
“It was here [Gobabis Prison in 1977] where my son Natangwe Jimmy started walking and talking for the first time in his life,” she emotionally recalled.
“During this period, the apartheid security forces wanted to serve me with the death penalty – but luckily, due to some health shortcomings, I escaped the gallows,” she said.
After serving her prison term, she resumed her political career and was later elected as the chairperson of the Swapo Party Women’s Council in the southern coastal town.
To this day, Jimmy-Haeiros remains politically active, albeit bedridden.
She is a staunch campaigner of the ruling party: she gives guidance and advice on political issues when requested.
As the country honoured its heroes and heroines this past Saturday, the veteran activist called on all Namibians, irrespective of race or political affiliation, to stand together in developing the country for the benefit of future generations while enjoying freedom, peace and prosperity brought about by the sacrifices of her generation.
- sklukowski@nepc.com.na