Africa-Press – Namibia. STRUGGLE stalwart Immanuel Ngatjizeko’s drive to fight for Namibia’s liberation was sparked on 16 June 1976, when alongside thousands of high school pupils, he took to the streets of Soweto to protest the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools.
Witnessing the Soweto Uprising, ignited more than a flame in Ngatjizeko, it led to him sacrificing his studies in the fight for Namibia’s independence, said vice president Nangolo Mbumba.
These sacrifices, Mbumba said, are the reasons for Ngatjizeko’s hero’s funeral status, as conferred by president Hage Geingob.
Ngatjizeko was pursuing a commerce degree in South Africa when the historic student protests and demonstrations broke out, not only interrupting Ngatjizeko’s studies but also becoming a catalyst for independence, both in South Africa and Namibia.
On that day, Ngatjizeko joined about 20 000 children from schools in the township of Soweto in Johannesburg.
“The events in Soweto roused a fire inside the inner being of the young comrade Ngatjizeko, awakening an indomitable spirit and a burning desire to become a freedom fighter and join the struggle for Namibia’s independence.
“And so he did, sacrificing the opportunity of further studies in order to join Swapo in 1976 as a political activist,” Mbumba said.
The late politician has been described as a patriotic Namibian who dedicated his life and career to the development of Namibia.
Over the weekend, hundreds of Namibians gathered to pay tribute to Ngatjizeko at his home village of Otjohorongo in the Erongo region.
THE STRUGGLE
“At one time, comrade Ngatjizeko and fellow freedom fighters were detained under the then Section 6 of the Terrorism Act and held under harsh conditions without trial. He was also detained at the Osire detention camp, but every time upon his release, he would continue with the activities of mobilisation.
“This is the unrelenting spirit of patriotism and the bravery of a true hero. For true heroes are the first to sacrifice their lives for a higher cause and for the price of freedom and independence. Comrade Ngatjizeko was willing to pay with his life,” Mbumba said.
Despite experiencing torture and detention, Ngatjizeko had a steel-will when facing constant harassment and arrests at the hands of apartheid South Africa’s security forces.
Ngatjizeko’s brother Philip Tjerije said the late freedom fighter embodied a spirit of ubuntu since childhood and described him as a visionary leader who executed his duties with integrity.
THE FATHER, THE HUSBAND
Ngatjizeko’s son Uvatera Ngatjizeko, who spoke at the memorial service on Saturday, said his father did his part to help build the country.
“He loved our country, he dedicated his life and career to constantly contributing to the Land of the Brave. In his final years, he enjoyed escaping away from the city and he sought peace on the farm.”
Uvatera said his father led by example and taught his family many lessons about being humble, loyal, genuine, kind and always respectful.
He said his father’s legacy will be defined by great service to Namibia, and to the Ngatjizeko family. A legacy of endless love, care and support.
“Daddy, I love you and our family loves you. We look forward to seeing you again. We will rest easy, knowing that your endless love will always be with us. We will always be with you, we will take care of each other,” he said.
Ngatjizeko’s wife, Annalise Ngatjizeko, described her husband as a man who embodied love. She said Ngatjizeko quoted Corinthians 1:13 when he proposed to her, and this was what their marriage was built on.
Her message was read by Vitjiua Kandetu during the memorial service.
“My husband, the stalwart because he was very passionate about his work. Loyal to whoever he stood before, he was always ready to be taught. My husband was a great listener.”
She added that she was grateful for the opportunity to have shared Ngatjizeko’s dreams and hopes with him.
“Your physical presence is gone but rest assured that your spirit lives on,” she said.
THE PORTFOLIO
Ngatjizeko served in many roles during his career, ranging from local authority to national leadership positions.
He led the Windhoek City Council as chairperson of the management committee, and later as mayor of Windhoek.
He became an MP in 2000 and soon thereafter was appointed as the deputy minister of mines and energy by former president Sam Nujoma.
Ngatjizeko also took on the role of director general of the National Planning Commission, minister of trade and industry, minister of labour and social welfare, minister of safety and security, minister of industrialisation and trade, and lastly, as minister in the Presidency.
In 2018, Ngatjizeko resigned from office due to health reasons.
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