Onayena
The mother of the Vice-President Dr Nickey Iyambo was laid to rest at her home village of Onayena on Saturday.
Kuku Linda Niikunde Nandjako ya Johannes ya Amakali passed away on October 13, at the age of 118. Her funeral was attended by several VIPs among them President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba as well as one of Namibia’s icons of the liberation struggle, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo. A number of cabinet ministers and other senior government officials and senior religious leaders including Bishop Shekutamba Nambala of the ELCIN church also attended the service.
“I may not know Kuku personally, but Dr Iyambo’s sincere and caring nature shows that he was raised in a God-fearing home … Her life is difficult to mourn as she was blessed with many years.
“I am grateful that Kuku lived long enough to witness her child becoming the vice-president of the country; some mothers were not lucky enough to see their children prosper,” said Geingob.
Geingob, who is also one of the Namibians who were not privileged to have their parents witness their achievements, said he lost his mother at the age of 11. According to him this makes him understand how privileged it is to have a mother. “Those who have mothers must appreciate that privilege. Mothers are angels from heaven, let us stop killing and raping them,” he said.
According to Geingob, the ongoing murders and violence against women is disturbing, and needs serious intervention. “Our mothers deserve our love not our fist,” said Geingob.
Former president Pohamba whose message was read on his behalf, also praised Kuku Nandjako, maintaining that her recognition as a war veteran speaks volumes. Pohamba said Nandjakonene, as she was passionately known, participated in the liberation struggle and also gave up one of her children to go into exile and fight for independence.
“Although the death of a loved one brings sorrow, family and community should celebrate a life with the knowledge that the good Lord has blessed her with many years,” said Pohamba.
Kuku Linda Niikunde Nandjako ya Johannes ya Amakali is survived by seven children, 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Her husband Johannes Iyambo who was born in 1891 died in 2000 at the age of 109.
Iyambo who spoke on behalf of Kuku Nandjako’s descendants said the Iyambo family was not mourning the death of their late mother, but they were celebrating a life well served.
“Kuku has not died, kuku has completed her journey. What is that that she wanted to do and she has not done? What is it she wanted to see and she has not seen? What is that she wanted to hear and she did not hear? Where did she want to go and she did not go? We are not mourning but we are celebrating a life of longevity,” said Iyambo.