Hanse-Himarwa welcomes recognition

Former cabinet minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has welcomed the recognition extended to her by the Mariental municipality which named a street after her last week.

In a statement read on her behalf, she thanked the municipality for the recognition.

"I welcome this gesture as an inhabitant of this region. Apart from that, I also served in various capacities as a leader in Mariental, the Hardap Region and Namibia," Hanse-Himarwa’s statement noted.

She added that whenever she was in a position to serve, she made a lasting impression and contributed to development.

"This gesture shows that as Namibians we must grow above the political divide. It shouldn’t be about politics and we should recognise it must not be within the political boundaries, but it must be driven by realities and facts so that we can truthfully honour people," the former minister said.

Honoured

In addition to Hanse-Himarwa, the town also named streets after the late Gaob Petrus Kooper, Mathys Cronje and Josef Motinga, who were selected in honour of their contributions to the community.

The street naming ceremony took place on Namibia’s commemoration of Heroes’ Day on Friday.

Mariental municipality chief executive officer, Paul Nghiwilepo, said it is only right to honour the individuals chosen, as they were key players of change within their respective industries.

Hanse-Himarwa gave notice that she would be unable to attend the ceremony due to prior arrangements.

Historic work

Utaara Mootu, a Landless Peoples’ Movement youth leader, said those honoured are the types of leaders that represent the town's history and must be honoured.

The chairperson of the Hardap regional council, Gerson Dausab, said he is pleased with the municipality’s decision to recognise and show appreciation to the individuals selected to be honoured with streets named after them.

"Today is the best day to honour these individuals, and I hope that this is just the beginning of many more," Dausab said.