President Hage Geingob said Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Eneas Peter Nanyemba are two heroic luminaries whose legendary feats will reverberate throughout the ages.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by vice president Nangolo Mbumba during the joint street renaming ceremony on Friday, Geingob said Madikizela-Mandela is a liberation icon who was a symbol of hope, not only to the struggling masses of South Africa, but also to the oppressed people of Namibia during the dark and bitter days of the struggle against Apartheid colonialism.
“Our gathering here today is not only to reflect upon and honour these patriots who so aptly represent the heroism and sacrifice of our struggle for independence, but it is also to ensure that these two streets of our capital city remind us of their exploits, which have contributed to the birth of the Republic of Namibia and the emergence of a liberated democratic Republic of South Africa,” he stated.
The president added that Madikizela-Mandela’s meritorious service to the people of South Africa and Africa at large has cemented her legacy on the continent as a symbol of African pride, strength and independence.
Hence, he will be awarding her the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class at the Conferment of National Honours’ ceremony in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the liberation of Namibia and South Africa on 15 December 2021.
“What distinguished her from her peers was that comrade Winnie never elevated herself above the people. In her own words, she said, “I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy.”
She remained rooted to the people of South Africa, even when she assumed higher responsibilities. Despite the hardships of the struggle, she emerged ever defiant and brimming with more determination to bring about change in the lives of her brothers and sisters, sons and daughters,” Geingob said.
Meanwhile, he described Nanyemba as an icon who dedicated his life for the freedom of the country.
“Many of them, like comrade Nanyemba, never had the privilege of setting foot on the soil of an independent Namibia, but like the prophet Moses thousands of years before them, their steadfastness, bravery and determination opened up the gates towards the promised land so that others could enjoy the fruits of the struggle,” he continued.
Geingob reiterated that throughout their lives, Madikizela-Mandela and Nanyemba demonstrated the highest measure of patriotism and selflessness.
“We honour them for their service to their people. We honour them for their innate bravery and unflinching determination. We honour them for their admirable legacy, which has cemented their status as national and African heroes,” he observed.
Appreciating the Namibian efforts on renaming the Otjomuise road after their grandmother, princess Swati Dlamini–Mandela and Zaziwe Monaway said the renaming demonstrates the esteem Namibians have for Winnie, and the role she played in liberating South Africa from the shackles of apartheid.
“This tribute clearly demonstrates Namibia’s commitment and intent to ensure that her name does not fade into historical oblivion,” said Dlamini-Mandela.
Peter Nanyemba’s widow, Mathilde Namupa Shinana, has called out those claiming that he was assassinated to refrain from making such unfounded statements.
“I take this opportunity to dispel the conspiracy theory that my husband died at the hands of his own comrades, or worse still that he committed suicide. It pains us when we hear such blatant statements being made publicly by known individuals. Please, let us refrain and desist from smear propaganda,” she stressed.
She added that her husband is a lasting symbol and enduring flame of what the essence and meaning of the liberation struggle was about. - ljason@nepc.com.na