Ovambanderu have lost a pillar of strength - Geingob
TThe Ovambanderu community has lost an important pillar of strength and voice of wisdom, President Hage Geingob said yesterday, while reacting to the passing of the traditional authority’s chief Kilus Munyuku III Nguvauva.
Nguvauva, who became the third senior traditional leader to succumb to Covid-19 in a matter of weeks, died in the early hours of yesterday in a Gobabis hospital.
He was 66.
His death follows hot on the heels of the Ovaherero Paramount Chief Vekuii Rukoro and Gaob Eduardo Afrikaner of the Afrikaner Traditional Authority, who died a fortnight ago due to Covid-19 complications.
“I have learned with sadness about the passing of Chief Kilus Nguvauva of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority. The nation, particularly the Ovambanderu community, has lost an important pillar of strength and voice of wisdom,” Geingob said in his massage of condolences to the family and the Ovambanderu.
“I join the authority and the Ovambanderu community at large in mourning a leader who, in different capacities, worked hard to ensure a prosperous and united Namibia.”
President of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) McHenry Venaani also expressed great sadness and shock over the death of Nguvauva, saying the nation has lost a leader who was close to his people and a torchbearer for unity.
“Chief Nguvauva will be greatly remembered, with respect for his dedication and selflessness in serving his people. His voice of insight and wisdom shall be sorely missed. He was a respected leader along the length and breadth of our nation,” Venaani said.
“I share the pain and anguish caused by the departure of Chief Nguvauva and extend utmost condolences to the bereaved family. Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy.”
Nguvauva, who was a long-serving councillor for Okorukambe constituency, also served as deputy minister at the works and fisheries ministries. He became the chief of the Ovambanderu community in 2014 after a long court battle, succeeding his father, Munjuku Nguvauva II, who led the Ovambanderu community for more than five decades until his death on 16 January 2008.
Senior Ovambanderu traditional leader Ripuree Tjozongoro yesterday appealed for calm and unity, saying the leadership will today come together and map the way forward. He appealed to community members not to flock to the Nguvauva residents in Windhoek, Gobabis or his official resident at Ozorongondo in the Epukiro constituency due to Covid-19 regulations.