Prof. Peter H. Katjavivi
On 9 August 2023, we gathered beneath the open sky, surrounded by the gentle embrace of the sun’s rays, to mark a poignant occasion – the first anniversary of the passing of a beloved soul, Rosemary Jane Katjavivi. In that moment, we stood together not only to remember but to celebrate a life that left an indelible mark on our hearts and souls.
Reflecting on recent times, I find myself humbled by the recognition and honours bestowed upon me by prestigious institutions, such as Unam, the Association of African Universities and Cardiff University. Yet, these accolades hold a deeper significance, as they are not just a reflection of my endeavours but a tribute to the unwavering support and partnership of Rosemary Jane Katjavivi. Each honour speaks of a shared journey and an inseparable bond.
Stepping back into history, the emergence of Namibia, as an independent nation, carried within it the promise of a new dawn. During these transformative times, I had the privilege of serving as the Founding Vice Chancellor of Unam. Tasked with nurturing an institution of learning and progress, I embarked on a journey with the unswerving presence of Rosemary Jane Katjavivi by my side – a constant pillar of strength and unwavering love.
The recognition from Unam, the Association of African Universities and Cardiff University goes beyond personal achievements; it underscores a commitment to raising education to global standards. Unam’s partnerships with universities worldwide, Cardiff University being a significant part of this network, represent the collective endeavour to advance knowledge, growth and societal change.
In the transformative era of the 1990s, Namibia recognised the pressing need for a national university, benchmarked on international standards. The transformation of Unam from an ‘academy’ into a robust national university was a journey fuelled by the aspirations of nation-building. This journey required broadening access to higher education, developing a sustainable funding model and defining the role of the university in shaping social and economic progress. Equally vital was the empowerment of the university’s faculty and staff, addressed through focused staff development initiatives.
During this time, it became imperative for Unam to expand its horizons and establish connections with sister universities across the globe. This led to the creation of staff and research student exchange programmes, including partnerships with institutions like Cardiff University. These collaborative efforts not only enriched academic endeavours but also contributed to the improvement of our nation’s Human Development Index (HDI) and GDP.
In light of these acknowledgements, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be honoured both at home and abroad. However, I cannot ignore the profound presence of my dear wife, Rosemary Jane Katjavivi, throughout this journey.
It is with a heart full of love and reverence that I dedicate the prestigious honour bestowed upon me by Cardiff University to her memory. As we stand on this week of unveiling her tombstone, a tribute, fittingly aligned with her passing on the 9th of August 2022, I find solace in the remembrance of our beloved Jane.
In this tribute, I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency President Hage G. Geingob and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency First Lady Monica Geingos. Their presence at the airport on the day of my dear wife’s passing, a day etched in memory, offered a powerful expression of sympathy and support. Their display of solidarity resonated beyond their roles as the first citizens of our Republic.
Equally, His Excellency Vice President Nangolo Mbumba and his wife, Madame Mbumba, were pillars for us to lean on. During the days that followed, the outpouring of support and solidarity from Namibians across the country touched our hearts deeply. This unity, shared by myself, our children, grandchildren and the extended Katjavivi and Coles families, is a treasure we are eternally grateful for.
With hearts full of gratitude and cherished memories, we once again pay tribute to Rosemary Jane Katjavivi, knowing that her legacy lives on in every life she touched.
May her soul rest in eternal peace, a testament to the love, strength and enduring impact she brought to our lives. With a full heart, we pause to remember our beloved Jane.
May her soul rest in eternal peace!