Former Ohangwena governor Usko Nghaamwa has paid glowing tribute to businessman and prominent farmer Ismael Shailemo, who passed on yesterday, aged 76. 

He described Shailemo as a peaceful and courageous man. 

Shailemo died in a northern hospital after a short illness.  

“He was a politician, who also served as chairperson of the Mangetti Farmers’ Association,’’ said Nghaamwa, who worked closely with Shailemo since 1977.

He added Shailemo was a helper and a good advisor, especially on traditional authority
matters. 

“When I say a great Namibian farmer, I am talking about the greatest farmer who ever walked this earth – not just the ones with the most acres, the biggest machinery or nicest-looking farm; I’m talking about the man who gets up before dawn and works harder in a week than some people work their entire lives. That is Shailemo. If he was onto something, he would get it done,’’ said Nghaamwa. 

The Ondonga traditional authority also expressed sadness over the death of Shailemo. 

“The Ondonga traditional authority is mourning the death of its long-serving senior headman of the Oshuushe village in Ondonga, Ismael Shailemo. The Ondonga traditional authority extends deepest condolences to the wife, children and entire family of the late Shailemo,” said the traditional authority’s secretary Frans Enkali. 

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na