Thank you, tatekulu Ya Toivo

Struggle hero Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo was remembered as a torchbearer of the fight for independence and was honoured by speaker after speaker, who spoke greatly of his character during his memorial service held at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.Many, including former president Sam Nujoma spoke of a character that was dedicated, steadfast and humble.Former prime minister Nahas Angula eulogised Ya Toivo as a trailblazer. “He was a freedom fighter and a humanist. We must pause and ask, who is Ya Toivo?” said Angula at his memorial.He remembered Ya Toivo for his steadfastness and said he lived a life of sacrifice. “He was a political trailblazer, he was a committed revolutionary, Ya Toivo's life is a celebration of courage, steadfastness and fortitude. He did not sacrifice his life for his own gain. He fought for his people and his dignity, his legacy will live on. His humanity will always be celebrated,” said Angula.Also speaking at the memorial service was leader of the DTA McHenry Venaani who heaped praise on Ya Toivo's widow, Vicki. “You have been a great companion to this man. He was always a happy man, oh what a character he was, so full of life and energy he had, here passes a man of great character. It is a sad day as we send off a nationalist,” said Venaani.Sharing an encounter, Venaani recalled a parliamentary session in which Ya Toivo refused to answer a question on the basis of his age and said that he would not respond to Venaani's query. Stepping in to correct Ya Toivo, then speaker of the National Assembly, Mosé Tjitendero reminded him that Venaani was right in his approach as he had risen on account of parliamentary rules. “As I was the youngest and Ya Toivo the oldest member of parliament at the time, then speaker of the National Assembly, the late Mosé Tjitendero reminded us that we were both endangered species owing to our ages. It is from that moment that Ya Toivo called me old man and I called him young man,” said Venaani.Life long friend remembersHis lifelong friend Helao Shityuwete fondly remembered Ya Toivo as the man who had taught him to recite the ABCs, often under tree. “We came a long way from the time he taught us English under a tree starting with the letters ABC. His approach to life was consistent,” Shityuwete said in a message read on his behalf by his wife Daphne.“Andimba was our natural leader as we waited for the terrorism act to pass, his political leadership helped us remain inspired. His stubbornness has a purpose. He had a gift for making everyone feel like a part of his heart and was disappointed by greed, selfishness and tribalism.”Adopted son and nephew, Isak Nahun described Ya Toivo as the greatest man that had ever live. “He's been a father and an uncle to us, the greatest man we have ever known. He was dedicated to his family and would attend confirmations, birthdays and weddings,” said Nahum.His other nephew, Fillemon Nahum remembered the many life lessons his late uncle had impacted on them. “He taught us not to start something without finishing it,” he said.Ya Toivo's twin daughter, Nashikoto, remembered her father for his sense of humour which she said often got him into trouble with the twins. “Papa lived his life to the full, there could never go a day without him telling a joke. His wicked sense of humour sometimes got him into trouble.”“He had a heart of gold for giving. Mama was his salt and he was the pepper,” added Nashikoto.His wife, Vicki, said she was very fortunate to have met the great Ya Toivo. “We are here to celebrate a remarkable life. He was my advisor, comrade and lover. We were very fortunate to have met one another,” she said.Telling their love story, Erenstein-Ya Toivo recalls how her late husband called her over because he wanted to discuss something. Little did she know that he would propose they start courting a suggestion she first turned down, instead proposing the two become friends. “He expressed his affection and proposed we start dating. The chemistry was too hard to resist,” she said, resulting in their whirlwind romance.“I am sure I had one of the biggest phone bills in New York,” recounted Vicki of her long-distance relationship with the late politician at the time.Ending her tribute, she urged Ya Toivo's friends to continue showing support to the family. “Do not leave our children but continue to shape them.”She also remembered Ya Toivo's open-minded, saying that despite her Jewish upbringing, it was Ya Toivo who prompted them to visit a local synagogue, a first for her despite living in Windhoek for a long time.A revolutionaryCuban Communist Party representative, Victor Dreke thanked Ya Toivo for voicing his stern opposition to the capture of the Cuban Five. “We will always remember him as a vigorous speaker of the struggle against the blockade and the release of the Cuban Five. Until the last moments of his life, he was right next to us. We remember fellow Toivo Ya Toivo as a revolutionary, as an eternal fighter for social justice and equality for all,” said Dreke.Giving his condolences on a message read on behalf on one of the Cuban Five, Fernando Gonzales, Dreke said: “I´ll see you later, Ya Toivo, your life and your work will guide us all.”Founding president Nujoma recalled Ya Toivo's famous speech which he delivered in Pretoria during the treason trial in which he and 16 others were found guilty and imprisoned on Robben Island. According to Nujoma, Ya Toivo's speech was a great inspiration in the fight for independence. “We are bidding farewell to an exceptionally dedicated and principled compatriot and freedom fighter. His statement during their treason trial in Pretoria in 1967 was of great inspiration for the Namibian struggle in defiance of the illegal occupation of Namibia by racist South Africa,” said Nujoma.Former president, Hifikepunye Pohamba called for a celebration of Ya Toivo's life. “He is a true hero, we should celebrate the trails of his long purposeful journey,” said Pohamba, adding, “we should be inspired by his friendliness.”He also called for the change of name of the Ondangwa airport to Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport, in celebration of the liberation stalwart's contribution. “I support those calling for the airport to be named after Herman Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo,” he said to applause.Coming out to speak last, President Hage Geingob said that in all the messages he heard, there was consistency of Ya Toivo's character. “Over the past two weeks, many, here at home and abroad, have persuasively portrayed Comrade Ya Toivo as a loyal husband, a devoted father, a pioneering freedom fighter, a man ahead of his time. As different people spoke, the same Andimba emerged,” said Geingob.Ya Toivo died in Windhoek on 9 June at the age of 92. Ya Toivo is a revered national hero not only in Namibia, but also many other parts of the world, including South Africa where he served for 16 years on Robben Island. Before his imprisonment, Ya Toivo used to run businesses in Ondangwa. He is also one of the founders of Swapo and its predecessor the Ovamboland People's Organisation. He was laid to rest at the Heroes Acre on the outskirts of Windhoek last Saturday. OGONE TLHAGE

Thank you, tatekulu Ya Toivo

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-29

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Thank you, tatekulu Ya Toivo

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-29

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