Iyambo laid to rest

ELLANE SMIT

Namibia’s first Vice-President Dr Nickey Iyambo was laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre this weekend.

Iyambo was buried next to former Robben Island prisoner Peter Ilonga during an official state funeral on Saturday.

Mourners, friends and family all gathered at Heroes’ Acre to say their final farewells as the coffin was lowered into the ground, followed by a 19-gun salute.

After the family said their last goodbyes by dropping handfuls of sand into the grave, numerous wreaths were placed on the grave. These included wreaths from President Hage Geingob and former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Iyambo was described as a close comrade, friend and confidant by Geingob.

At his memorial service held on Friday at the Parliament Gardens, Geingob said that nothing is more challenging than to speak about the loss of a father, friend and mentor.

Geingob said Iyambo was a hero of the liberation struggle and a man of impeccable character, a luminary and a torchbearer of unity, liberty and justice.

He said comfort should be taken in the fact that Iyambo was a man who lived a life of purpose and sacrifice.

“His was a passion that was ignited by the searching flames of struggle, revolution and pan-Africanism,” the head of state said.

Geingob said Iyambo was a man who possessed a temperament that every man envied.

“It is this cool-headedness, this genuine humility that made him such an endearing individual and a man whose radiant spirit engulfed all that came in his presence.”

He said it was these salient features of Iyambo that made him such an outstanding father, brother and mentor.

“So often when the pressure of life would force me down a cul-de-sac, I would turn to him for guidance and he would always reassure by urging me not to worry and to ignore those who were troubling me.”

According to him, Iyambo was the consummate confidant and someone in whom one could confide and be certain that what was discussed would remain between the two of you.

“Such integrity and honesty is rare in today’s world and this is why Iyambo was a bonafide friend and comrade to me and many others.”

According to Geingob his friendship with Iyambo traversed a long road, until this point where they must now part ways.

Geingob said Namibia had joined the Iyambo family in mourning ever since the news of his passing.

“We share in your sorrow and we share in the consternation and grief that fills your hearts,” he told the family.

Geingob said despite the pain, he hopes that the family will find comfort in the national outpouring of grief for the decorated and much-loved “son of Namibia”.

Geingob further expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Iyambo, who he said remained selfless to the end and passionately committed to the development of the Namibian House.

“He was an admirable leader, whose legacy is a testament of his faithfulness, diligence, humility and integrity. He has (left) a telling and permanent mark on the political, diplomatic and social landscape of our country.”

Iyambo died at the age of 82 in Windhoek on 19 May. He served as vice-president from 2015 until his resignation in February 2018.