Nation mourns Kunene governor
Namibians from all walks of life have paid tribute to Kunene's regional governor Angelika Muharukua, who died in a Windhoek hospital early yesterday.
She was 59.
The presidency led tributes after announcing Muharukua's death in a short statement.
State House expressed shock at the news of Muharukua's passing.
“The presidency wishes to announce, with a great sense of shock, the passing away of Honourable Angelika Kazetjindire Muharukua early this morning, 1 October 2017. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, friends and comrades,” read the statement issued by press secretary Albertus Aochamub.
Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba said he was saddened by the governor's death.
“It is a sad occasion for me personally and for the Swapo Party. A part of me is still shocked and we will do whatever is necessary to ensure her legacy is honoured,” said Mbumba.
DTA president McHenry Venaani said Muharukua's passing pained him.
He was reminded of her tenacity.
“What I can describe is the fact that all of humanity is handed adversity in our lifetime, her journey was not an easy one but it is how she handled adversity that made her stand out as a leader,” said Venaani.
According to him, Muharukua did not let her lack of formal training discourage her as a leader.
“She never went to school or mastered the English language but led with conviction and made her role special. With deep tears in my heart I remember solid Kazetjindire. I commiserate with all and on behalf of our movement convey our deepest condolences to the people of Kunene,” Venaani said.
Oshana governor Clemens Kashuupulwa, who is the chairperson of the Governors' Forum, also expressed shock, adding they were due to meet this week.
“I received the sad news while I was already on my way to Windhoek for the meeting. It is very sad to lose such a leader in a country that has few women in national leadership positions. As the chairperson of the Governors' Forum I remember her as a straightforward person. She was open to share her contributions that will push our forum and her Kunene Region forward. Her death is very unfortunate,” said Kashuupulwa,
Oshikoto governor Henock Kankoshi described Muharukua as a leader who was always concerned about issues affecting her people.
“We will miss her leadership qualities and what she always stood for. My condolences to the entire Kunene Region.”
There were also tributes on social media eulogising Muharukua.
Muharukua joined Swapo in 1979.
In 1995, Founding President Sam Nujoma appointed her to the National Assembly as a non-voting member.
In 2005, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba appointed Muharukua to serve as deputy minister of gender equality and welfare. In 2015, she was appointed as governor of Kunene, a position she held until her death.
The former governor lost her husband, Festus Muharukua, in an accident in 2015 when the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by a flooded stream in the Kunene Region.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
OGONE TLHAGE
She was 59.
The presidency led tributes after announcing Muharukua's death in a short statement.
State House expressed shock at the news of Muharukua's passing.
“The presidency wishes to announce, with a great sense of shock, the passing away of Honourable Angelika Kazetjindire Muharukua early this morning, 1 October 2017. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, friends and comrades,” read the statement issued by press secretary Albertus Aochamub.
Swapo secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba said he was saddened by the governor's death.
“It is a sad occasion for me personally and for the Swapo Party. A part of me is still shocked and we will do whatever is necessary to ensure her legacy is honoured,” said Mbumba.
DTA president McHenry Venaani said Muharukua's passing pained him.
He was reminded of her tenacity.
“What I can describe is the fact that all of humanity is handed adversity in our lifetime, her journey was not an easy one but it is how she handled adversity that made her stand out as a leader,” said Venaani.
According to him, Muharukua did not let her lack of formal training discourage her as a leader.
“She never went to school or mastered the English language but led with conviction and made her role special. With deep tears in my heart I remember solid Kazetjindire. I commiserate with all and on behalf of our movement convey our deepest condolences to the people of Kunene,” Venaani said.
Oshana governor Clemens Kashuupulwa, who is the chairperson of the Governors' Forum, also expressed shock, adding they were due to meet this week.
“I received the sad news while I was already on my way to Windhoek for the meeting. It is very sad to lose such a leader in a country that has few women in national leadership positions. As the chairperson of the Governors' Forum I remember her as a straightforward person. She was open to share her contributions that will push our forum and her Kunene Region forward. Her death is very unfortunate,” said Kashuupulwa,
Oshikoto governor Henock Kankoshi described Muharukua as a leader who was always concerned about issues affecting her people.
“We will miss her leadership qualities and what she always stood for. My condolences to the entire Kunene Region.”
There were also tributes on social media eulogising Muharukua.
Muharukua joined Swapo in 1979.
In 1995, Founding President Sam Nujoma appointed her to the National Assembly as a non-voting member.
In 2005, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba appointed Muharukua to serve as deputy minister of gender equality and welfare. In 2015, she was appointed as governor of Kunene, a position she held until her death.
The former governor lost her husband, Festus Muharukua, in an accident in 2015 when the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by a flooded stream in the Kunene Region.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
OGONE TLHAGE
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