A pillar of education and nation-building
A life dedicated to upliftment
The late Gaob Josef Max Haraseb played a key role in Namibia's education and political systems, both before and after independence.
As Namibia mourns the death of one of its most respected traditional leaders and statesmen, Gaob Josef Max Haraseb (82), his legacy of justice and education secures his place in the nation’s history.
He died on 21 April at the Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek, surrounded by family and friends.
Marked by personal sacrifice and unwavering commitment, Haraseb led a life devoted to education, cultural preservation and service to his people.
Born on 13 June 1942 on a farm in the Nina district of the Khomas region, Haraseb was one of twin sons of the late Benjamin Dax and Elisabeth Harases. He was raised in Rehoboth by his paternal grandparents and began his schooling at the Rynse Inboerling School, later completing Standard 6 in Windhoek.
A qualified teacher who obtained his teaching certificate at Augustinium College in Okahandja, chief Haraseb dedicated his early professional life to educating young minds across the country, from Leonardville in Omaheke to Katutura and Midgard. He was renowned for his strict yet effective teaching style and played a critical role in shaping future leaders.
Political leadership
His role extended beyond the classroom.
As secretary-general of the South West African Native Teachers' Association (SWAIOV), he confronted the injustices of the Bantu education system, drawing the attention of the security police and leading to his punitive transfer to Sesfontein. Despite personal sacrifices, including long separations from his family, he remained committed to education and justice.
A political trailblazer, Gaob Haraseb joined the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) and later served in the Constituent Assembly, helping to craft Namibia’s Constitution. McHenry Venaani described him as “a key contributor” to the Constitution.
In 1990, he became a member of parliament and was also elected Gaob of the |Gaiodaman Traditional Authority on 15 February that same year.
Lasting legacy
As a traditional leader, he worked tirelessly to preserve cultural heritage and to support the advancement of his people. He was instrumental in securing opportunities for Namibian students to pursue further education in South Africa, many of whom now serve in government and the private sector.
Despite ongoing health challenges, especially following the passing of his beloved wife Erenstine /Gases in 2015, Haraseb remained a symbol of wisdom and strength. He was not only a political leader and educator but also a committed farmer in the Outjo district and an active member of Swapo.
Gaob Haraseb leaves behind a lasting legacy – 13 children, countless students and a nation strengthened by his lifelong commitment to justice, education and tradition. His voice, once echoing through classrooms and parliamentary chambers, now echoes through the lives he touched and the heritage he defended.
He died on 21 April at the Roman Catholic Hospital in Windhoek, surrounded by family and friends.
Marked by personal sacrifice and unwavering commitment, Haraseb led a life devoted to education, cultural preservation and service to his people.
Born on 13 June 1942 on a farm in the Nina district of the Khomas region, Haraseb was one of twin sons of the late Benjamin Dax and Elisabeth Harases. He was raised in Rehoboth by his paternal grandparents and began his schooling at the Rynse Inboerling School, later completing Standard 6 in Windhoek.
A qualified teacher who obtained his teaching certificate at Augustinium College in Okahandja, chief Haraseb dedicated his early professional life to educating young minds across the country, from Leonardville in Omaheke to Katutura and Midgard. He was renowned for his strict yet effective teaching style and played a critical role in shaping future leaders.
Political leadership
His role extended beyond the classroom.
As secretary-general of the South West African Native Teachers' Association (SWAIOV), he confronted the injustices of the Bantu education system, drawing the attention of the security police and leading to his punitive transfer to Sesfontein. Despite personal sacrifices, including long separations from his family, he remained committed to education and justice.
A political trailblazer, Gaob Haraseb joined the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) and later served in the Constituent Assembly, helping to craft Namibia’s Constitution. McHenry Venaani described him as “a key contributor” to the Constitution.
In 1990, he became a member of parliament and was also elected Gaob of the |Gaiodaman Traditional Authority on 15 February that same year.
Lasting legacy
As a traditional leader, he worked tirelessly to preserve cultural heritage and to support the advancement of his people. He was instrumental in securing opportunities for Namibian students to pursue further education in South Africa, many of whom now serve in government and the private sector.
Despite ongoing health challenges, especially following the passing of his beloved wife Erenstine /Gases in 2015, Haraseb remained a symbol of wisdom and strength. He was not only a political leader and educator but also a committed farmer in the Outjo district and an active member of Swapo.
Gaob Haraseb leaves behind a lasting legacy – 13 children, countless students and a nation strengthened by his lifelong commitment to justice, education and tradition. His voice, once echoing through classrooms and parliamentary chambers, now echoes through the lives he touched and the heritage he defended.
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