Farewell to Namibian liberation hero Toivo ya Toivo

THE Robben Island Museum joins Namibians and the rest of the world in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the Republic of Namibia and the Toivo ya Toivo family for the untimely loss of a former Robben Islander and an African liberation struggle stalwart, Andimba Herman Toivo ya Toivo, who died on Friday.

“As a former political prisoner incarcerated at Robben Island Maximum Security Prison alongside other prisoners like the late Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and many others, our memories of him as a tower of democracy and influence in Namibia remain etched in the history of the Island.

“A gallant son of Africa has left a legacy that we need to cherish and live,” says Mava Dada, the museum’s chief executive.

Like many other Namibian liberation heroes, Andimba Herman Toivo ya Toivo was a migrant worker in South Africa.

While working in Cape Town, he was introduced to many of the contemporary communists of that time, such as Dennis Goldberg, Albie Sachs, and Janck and Amy Simons, among others.

The influence of their communist teachings later sparked his interest in the liberation of his own people in South West Africa, now known as Namibia.

In 1960, Toivo ya Toivo founded the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), a pioneer in the struggle for liberation in Namibia.

He was arrested in 1966, together with 31 of his countrymen, and they were tried under the new Terrorism Act (1967).

Toivo ya Toivo and his countrymen served their sentence at Robben Island Maximum Security Prison as South West Africa had been placed under South African rule by the League of Nations following World War I.

As such, it was subjected to the apartheid system.

He was incarcerated in 1968 and served 16 years on the Island.

Toivo ya Toivo was imprisoned in the B Section of the Robben Island Maximum Security Prison along with the Rivonia triallists and other leaders of various liberation movements.

He was regarded by the authorities of the time as a radicalwho refused to compromise.

However, Toivo ya Toivo is described by his contemporaries as a selfless and defiant spirit, even at the merciless hands of the relentless prison warders.

His refusal to be released four years before the end of his sentence in solidarity with his comrades who were still serving their sentences bears testimony to his selflessness. Hamba Kahle, Comrade Toivo! You lived a purposeful life and will forever be revered for the role you played in the liberation of all the oppressed, not only by sub-Saharan Africa, but also by the rest of the world.

Any further enquiries can be directed to: Bongiwe Nzeku at bongiwen@robben-island.org.za or by calling 021 413 4200. Brad Mitchell Robben Island Museum