Nambundunga inspired us - Shalli
Former Namibian Defence Force (NDF) chief Martin Shalli says his successor, the late Peter Nambundunga, played a significant role during the liberation struggle as a political commissar.
He said it was Nambundunga who inspired many Namibians to remain steadfast after joining the liberation struggle in exile.
The former army commander and acting NDF chief died on Monday in a northern hospital. Nambundunga was until his death the advisor to Ohangwena regional governor Usko Nghaamwa.
Shalli said the role of a political commissar was not an easy one.
He said Nambundunga instilled discipline in his fellow combatants, as well as dedication and commitment.
Immediately after joining the liberation struggle Nambundunga went to Kongwa in Tanzania, where he received basic military training.
He later completed many other courses and became a political commissar, Shalli said.
“That role, you cannot take it away from him.”
Shalli said Nambundunga's role was to transform people's mindsets from negative to positive.
Nambundunga rose through the ranks of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and after independence he occupied various posts. Nambundunga was given the rank of colonel after independence. In 2000, he was appointed to the rank of major-general. Between 2009 and January 2011, Nambundunga was appointed as the acting NDF chief.
Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said Nambundunga would be remembered as a dedicated PLAN cadre and as a player in the country's national development after independence.
“All that the government and Swapo have done to acknowledge his participation in exile and back home is an indication that he was a comrade who could be trusted with national duties.
The family has also lost a cadre and a revolutionary,” Shaningwa said.
ILENI NANDJATO
He said it was Nambundunga who inspired many Namibians to remain steadfast after joining the liberation struggle in exile.
The former army commander and acting NDF chief died on Monday in a northern hospital. Nambundunga was until his death the advisor to Ohangwena regional governor Usko Nghaamwa.
Shalli said the role of a political commissar was not an easy one.
He said Nambundunga instilled discipline in his fellow combatants, as well as dedication and commitment.
Immediately after joining the liberation struggle Nambundunga went to Kongwa in Tanzania, where he received basic military training.
He later completed many other courses and became a political commissar, Shalli said.
“That role, you cannot take it away from him.”
Shalli said Nambundunga's role was to transform people's mindsets from negative to positive.
Nambundunga rose through the ranks of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and after independence he occupied various posts. Nambundunga was given the rank of colonel after independence. In 2000, he was appointed to the rank of major-general. Between 2009 and January 2011, Nambundunga was appointed as the acting NDF chief.
Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said Nambundunga would be remembered as a dedicated PLAN cadre and as a player in the country's national development after independence.
“All that the government and Swapo have done to acknowledge his participation in exile and back home is an indication that he was a comrade who could be trusted with national duties.
The family has also lost a cadre and a revolutionary,” Shaningwa said.
ILENI NANDJATO
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