Name Ondangwa airport after Ya Toivo – Pohamba

Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba said he supports calls for the Ondangwa Airport to be renamed after the late struggle hero Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo. Pohamba was speaking at the official memorial service in honour of Ya Toivo at the Independence Stadium this evening. In the past week, Ondangwa residents have also called for the renaming of the town’s airport after Ya Toivo as a way to honour his rich legacy. “I support those calling for the airport to be named after Herman Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo,” Pohamba said to applause. President Hage Geingob also said his office was supporting the idea. The Swapo Party Youth League had also proposed that the airport be renamed after the struggle icon back in 2014. Ya Toivo died in Windhoek on 9 June at the age of 92. Ya Toivo is a revered national hero not only in Namibia, but also many other parts of the world, including South Africa where he served for 16 years on Robben Island. Before his imprisonment, Ya Toivo used to run businesses in Ondangwa. He is also one of the founders of Swapo and its predecessor the Ovamboland People's Organisation. He will be laid tomorrow at the Heroes Acre.

STAFF REPORTER