Hero's burial for Ya Toivo

Liberation struggle icon, Herman Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo will be honoured with a state funeral at Heroes' Acre, President Hage Geingob announced Sunday evening.

Addressing mourners at Ya Toivo's residence in Klein Windhoek, Geingob said further funeral arrangements will be announced after consultation with the grieving family.

Ya Toivo died on Friday, aged 92.

He was an anti-apartheid activist, politician and political prisoner active in pre-independence liberation movements.

Ya Toivo was one of the co-founders of the South West African People's Organisation (Swapo) in 1960, and its predecessor the Ovamboland People's Organisation (OPO) in 1959.

Former presidents Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and his wife Penehupifo Pohamba, Prime Minister Saara Kugongelwa-Amadhila and First Lady Monica Geingos were among the mourners who attended the praying session at Ya Toivo's residence.

Ya Toivo is survived by his wife, Vicki, and twin daughters Mutaleni and Nashikoto.

Family spokesperson, Helmut Angula said some of Ya Toivo's family had demanded that his body be taken to Ondangwa in the Oshana Region for many people to pay their last respects.

“The late Ya Toivo was an influential leader in Ondangwa both in Swapo and business,” said Angula.

Angula remembers Ya Toivo as his good friend, father, leader and mentor whom he met at the age of 16.

“He was a people's person, a down to earth man and of course a stubborn man when it comes to dealing with apartheid,” Angula said.

Ya Toivo is survived by his wife, Vicky, and twin daughters.



NAMPA