Remembering the life of Fillipus Shiimbi, business pioneer and liberation hero

In the quiet village of Iikango ya Namwandi in the Ongandjera district, Omusati region, a legend was born. The legend’s name was Fillipus Shiimbi, a man whose impact on Namibia’s socio-economic and political fabric cannot be overstated. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion and patriotic devotion. He was not merely a businessman but a visionary, a liberation stalwart, and a steadfast servant of his people.Born to Rauna Gwanujoma and Andreas Kanaku Shiimbi, Fillipus Shiimbi’s early years were shaped by the winds of change blowing across a colonially oppressed Namibia. His humble parents, who could never have imagined how far their son’s determination would take him. He did not just want to make money; he wanted to uplift his community, even while the weight of colonial rule pressed heavily on everyone around him. But unlike many who waited for independence before stepping into greatness, Shiimbi carved a bold and uncommon path. In the 1970s, at a time when Black Namibians were not welcomed into the world of commerce, he defied the odds and became one of the very first businessmen in northern Namibia.In a deeply restrictive and racially divided system, Shiimbi pushed forward, not for personal gain alone, but to create opportunity, dignity and representation for his people. He walked alongside other pioneers like David Shiimbi (brother), Dr Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Dr Frans Aupa Indongo, tatekulu Malakia Nakumba, and tatekulu Eliakim Namundjembo, laying the groundwork for what would become a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in the northern regions. But what set Shiimbi apart was not just his business acumen, it was his quiet, strategic and relentless dedication to Namibia’s liberation.While most knew him for his enterprise, few outside close circles knew the risks he took in the shadows. A trusted ally and comrade of the late Dr Nickey Iyambo, Namibia’s former deputy president, Shiimbi was deeply involved in the liberation struggle. Together with the late former DP, they planned their escape into exile through Botswana to join Swapo’s external wing. But fate had other plans. Shiimbi was detained by the colonial authorities. Undeterred, he redirected his mission: running a business by day and being a Swapo operative by night.With the help of his brother, Pashukeni Shiimbi, they transported weapons and PLAN fighters at night, using their own vehicles to support the cause. He was the definition of selfless. For Shiimbi, the struggle for freedom was not just a political agenda, it was personal, and it was urgent, according to those who knew him personally.True leadershipShiimbi’s businesses were not only enterprises but pillars of inspiration and empowerment. Through his actions, he mentored and inspired a generation of young northern businessmen. Among them were Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba and the late Jairus 'Punyu' Shikale, who themselves went on to build empires. It’s no exaggeration to say that much of today’s commercial energy in northern Namibia finds its roots in the bold footsteps of Fillipus Shiimbi and the brother David Shiimbi.Though he received numerous accolades for his contributions, including recognition from Dr Frans Indongo Group, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and various business organisations, Shiimbi remained a humble servant. After Namibia achieved its long-awaited independence, many expected him to enter government or take up a ministerial post. But again, he surprised everyone. He turned down politics in favour of staying true to what he loved: business and community upliftment. Still, he never turned his back on Swapo, remaining a loyal member of the party he risked his life for. His legacy is one of balance – a man who understood that liberation did not end in 1990, but that economic freedom was the next frontier.Today, the people of Okahao and the broader Omusati region and indeed, the whole northern part of Namibia feel his absence deeply. They have lost a pioneer, a freedom fighter, a community leader and a father figure. A man who believed in doing the hard things, even when no one was watching. Omusati mourns the passing of a pioneer, a patriot and a people’s man. His story reminds us that true leadership does not always wear a suit and speak from podiums. Sometimes, it hides behind the wheel of a truck carrying fighters. Sometimes, it is in the quiet mentorship given to the next entrepreneur. Sometimes, it is in the decision to do what is right, not what is easy.But, as we reflect on his final years, it is painful to say that Tate Fillipus Shiimbi died a poor man not because he wasted his wealth but because he struggled to keep up with modern business trends and an increasingly unforgiving market. It is an unfortunate reality that should not be blamed solely on ageing entrepreneurs. The truth is, our government has failed to protect Namibian businesspeople from overwhelming competition, especially from foreign-owned businesses operating without strong and sufficient regulation. In many towns, Chinese- and Indian-owned businesses dominate, selling goods from cuca shops when they are supposed to be operating as wholesalers or suppliers.This unfair playing field has contributed to the collapse of many once-thriving Namibian businesses.As we lay this gentle giant to rest, let us honour his life by not only remembering his legacy but also by fighting to preserve the space he and others carved out for us. Let us act now so that the next generation of Namibian businesspeople can thrive, not just survive.To his family, his community, and to all who were touched by his life: may you find comfort in the knowledge that Namibia is better because of Fillipus Shiimbi. His name will live on in the businesses he inspired, the lives he touched, and the freedoms he helped secure. May his soul rest in eternal peace.*Due to limited space, this article has been edited for length.

Remembering the life of Fillipus Shiimbi, business pioneer and liberation hero

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-21

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Remembering the life of Fillipus Shiimbi, business pioneer and liberation hero

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-21

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