WINDHOEK – President Hifikepunye Pohamba has called on all Namibians to celebrate the life and legacy of the late retired Colonel Fredrick Mwala Matongo who was a decorated hero of the country’s long and bitter liberation struggle.
Thousands of mourners, some of them from the Zambezi Region and from the northern regions and other parts of Namibia travelled to Windhoek to attend his burial at Heroes’ Acre.
“We are also celebrating his life for his contribution to peace and the independence of our country. As we gather here today, we are also celebrating his life for his contribution to the peace and unity we enjoy today in a free, democratic and independent Namibia,” Pohamba told mourners.
Matongo, 67, passed away ten days ago in the Rhino Park Private Hospital in Windhoek, after a long battle with cancer. He was laid to rest on Saturday at the hill-top Heroes’ Acre and accorded with national honours and a 17-gun salute.
Pohamba said the name of Matongo will be inscribed in the history of Namibia for his role in the fight against apartheid colonialism.
“I have no doubt that his legacy will live on and inspire current and future generations to cultivate a culture of patriotism,” Pohamba said, adding that it is important for Namibians to reflect on the past, present and future as a nation.
“Today Namibia is a free and independent country. This was made possible by great sacrifices, and many precious lives of our fellow compatriots were lost in the process. All these sacrifices were made so that our people can become masters of their own destiny,” he said.
During a celebration of the life of service of all heroes and heroines, Pohamba said Namibians owe it to them to remain united as a people and to act with great determination towards building a prosperous Namibia.
“Let us rededicate ourselves to our motto of One Namibia, One Nation. Let us pay tribute to our heroes and heroines by committing ourselves to hard work, marching together in unity of purpose in order to make our country a better place for all citizens. Lets reject the vices of tribalism, ethnicity, regionalism, sexism and racism,” he urged.
On Friday, during a memorial service at Parliament Gardens, family members gave testimony on the late fatherly figure but the Founding Father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, gave a much more personal reflection and he described the late Matongo as a “fearless and principled soldier,” who dispensed his military duties with dedicated commitment.
“We will treasure his immeasurable contribution to the growth of Swapo’s military wing, and his selfless sacrifices,” said the Founding Father.
The former president and leader of the country’s liberation struggle recalled one of Matongo’s heroic deeds, saying Matongo who was then young and energetic dived into the Cuando River to retrieve some weapons and ammunition which fell into the river when one of the canoes used by the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) combatants capsized.
Nujoma said while many along the way had wavered and compromised the mission, the late Matongo was amongst those that were convinced that Namibia would one day be free.
The dreams of Matongo, who at the time of death served as Secretary of the Swapo Party Elders’ Council, were realised when the Namibian flag was hoisted on March 21 1990.
Retired Bishop Zeephania Kameeta of the Evangelical Lutheran Church conducted the benediction when the hero was interred.
By Fifi Rhodes