Chief Tjavara laid to rest

OPUWO - The late traditional leader of the renowned Otjikaoko Traditional Authority, Chief Paulus Uziruapi Tjavara, has been laid to rest in a traditional ceremony at the Okarundu Kozombangane burial shrine in Opuwo on Saturday.

Tjavara led the Otjikaoko Traditional Authority for over 25 years, a position he occupied after the death of Chief Mbumbijazo Muharukua in 1995.

Tjavara died on 3 August 2021 at the Opuwo district hospital due to Covid-19 at the age of 94.

In a speech read on his behalf, Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni described the late Tjavara as a humble person who gained respect from many people throughout his reign, adding that during his leadership, peace and harmony prevailed in the community of Otjikaoko.

“Chief Tjavara will be remembered as a great community leader distinguished by exceptional humbleness and dignity,” said Uutoni.

Tjavara was recognised and gazetted by the government as Otjikaoko leader in 1998 after coming to power in 1995.

“He was also a member of the Council of Traditional Leaders who since his inception served the council and his community with dedication and commitment, and therefore his passing is a great loss to his family,” added Uutoni.

The minister also stated that Tjavara fought against racism and discrimination during the apartheid era and succeeded in advocating peace and unity amongst the different ethnic groups in his community.

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani also described the late chief as a staunch advocate for the ovaHerero people, noting that he played a crucial role in the social and economic advancement of his people.

Venaani said Tjavara was instrumental in linking the Herero people of Kaokoland and those over the red line, thus encouraging unity and collaboration, therefore, fighting for the rights of all the Herero as one nation.

Venaani also stated that Chief Tjavara was one of the most influential Herero leaders, a proponent of the traditional Herero customs who under his reign had more than 70 000 followers.

The magistrate of the Otjikaoko Traditional Authority court, Uahuna Tjisemo, reiterated that the late Tjavara was a unifier, a decent man of integrity who always stayed true to his word and true to himself.

He said Tjavara was amongst those who brought the Ondao mobile schools, a move that has benefited thousands of previously disadvantaged children among the Himba, Zemba and Ovatwa communities.

Tjavara is survived by three wives and 12 children.