Petrus Iilonga hailed as selfless
Former politician Petrus Iilonga was remembered this afternoon as a selfless man by President Hage Geingob. He made the comments at a memorial service held at Parliament Gardens in Iilonga’s honour. Ilonga will be buried at Heroes’ Acre tomorrow morning.
Speaking at the memorial, Geingob said that Iilonga’s life was encapsulated by the ideals of Karl Marx.
“He made sacrifices not for his own benefit but the benefit of all. His happiness and life belonged to the Namibian nation,” said Geingob.
According to him, Namibia had lost a man that embodied selflessness.
Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba said Iilonga would never be forgotten by the nation.
“He [Iilonga] was a distinguished man. He contributed to nation building with vigour and distinction. Iilonga will never be forgotten,” Pohamba said.
Popular Democratic Movement party president McHenry Venaani described Iilonga as being stubborn.
“This man did not listen to the opposition. Swapo was right, the opposition was wrong,” said Venaani.
According to him, Iilonga was honest. “He spoke from the heart,” Venaani said in remembrance of the late politician.
Iilonga was secretary-general of the Namibia Public Workers’ Union (Napwu) since his release from prison in 1985 until 2000, Ilonga served as parliamentarian and deputy minister of environment and tourism, labour and social services, agriculture, and defence between 2000 and 2015.
He died in Windhoek on 11 December. He was 71
His body is currently laying in State at the Parliament Gardens.
He is survived by his wife Paulina and nine children.
OGONE TLHAGE
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