OKAHANDJA – Donned in their traditional green, white and black colours, hundreds of Ovambanderu and other sympathisers from various parts of the country thronged the town of Okahandja over the weekend to pay their final respects to Gerson Kunomundu Katjirua.
The revered senior traditional councillor of the Ovambanderu community and admired nation-builder was laid to rest at the Ovambanderu Heroes Acre on Sunday.
He died on 27 April.
It is at the same burial site where many other departed Ovambanderu paramount chiefs such as Munjuku Nguvauva, Kahimemua Nguvauva and Kilus Nguvauva are buried.
Speakers described Katjirua during the two-day memorial service at the Ovambanderu Commando in Okahandja as a peace-lover, a nation-builder, a man with unmatched leadership abilities, and someone who advocated for development through unity.
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani, who spoke on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the unconquerable footsteps and unifying spirit of the late Katjirua should continue inspiring Namibians to strive for shared prosperity and patriotism.
The President said Katjirua’s name, dedication and deeds were synonymous with unity, nation-building and an undying love for Namibia.
“Our departed comrade Katjirua joins this historic resting place of illustrious individuals, having himself played a very important role in furtherance of the liberation struggle under Swapo when he accompanied Chief Munjuku II Nguvauva on various trips to Zambia before independence.
There, he met our Founding Father and Founding President Sam Nujoma in exile during the liberation struggle – at a time when it was difficult to do so.
The community of Epukiro, the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority and those who came into contact with Katjirua will remember him as a man of peace, fairness and unity. As a real peacemaker and unifier, he always worked hard to decrease levels of hatred and animosity amongst the Ovambanderu community,” said the Head of State.
Zaamwami said President Nandi-Ndaitwah received the news with a heavy heart that the Ovambanderu community lost a wise leader and chairman of the Ovaherero/Ovambanderu Council for Dialogue on the 1904-1908 Genocide, a position he held from 2014 until his passing.
“As a government, we have lost an important stakeholder and a reliable partner in our ongoing dialogue with Germany to acknowledge genocide, apologise and pay reparations to the affected communities,” the President stated.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba likewise paid tribute to the late Katjirua, remembering him as a generous leader who served his community tirelessly.
“The late Katjirua was known as a generous leader, a man of integrity, a humble servant of the late Chief Munjuku Nguvauva II. He also acted as chief of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority. We thus mourn the passing of a brave comrade, a kind leader, a real peacemaker, a dear husband, father, brother and grandfather.
May you be strengthened and consoled by the fact that his exemplary life of loyalty, determination and love for his people will continue to serve as an inspiration to all,” said the former president.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani described Katjirua as an extraordinary leader who possessed rare qualities of leadership and servanthood to all Namibians.
“Katjirua was not an ordinary man. He was a leader with unmatched wisdom, a man who saw and conquered a lot of things in life, and someone who dedicated his entire life to the wellbeing and advancement of all Namibians, especially the Ovambanderu community.
His life story and selfless service to his people will forever be remembered. The Ovambanderu community owe a huge sense of gratitude to this man,” Venaani told the gathering.
Nama traditional authority leader Johannes Fleermuys and his delegation joined hundreds of mourners in paying tribute to the late Ovambanderu leader.
After the passing of Ovambanderu paramount chief Kilus Karaerua Munjuku III Nguvauva in 2021, Katjirua was temporarily appointed as acting chief of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority and Chairman of the Supreme Council until the installation of current chief Tjozohongo Eben Nguvauva.