Shixwameni was driven by spirit of Pan-Africanism: Geingob

RUNDU, 27 NOV- President Hage Geingob reminisced that the late Ignatius Shixwameni, president of the All People’s Party, was driven by a spirit of Pan-Africanism. Geingob, in a statement read on his behalf by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila during Shixwameni’s memorial service at the Rundu Trade Fair Centre on Friday, said the spirit of Pan-…

RUNDU, 27 NOV (NAMPA) – President Hage Geingob reminisced that the late Ignatius Shixwameni, president of the All People’s Party (APP), was driven by a spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Geingob, in a statement read on his behalf by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila during Shixwameni’s memorial service at the Rundu Trade Fair Centre on Friday, said the spirit of Pan- Africanism compelled the late leader to fight for the freedom and independence of his country.

“Even after the attainment of independence, Comrade Shixwameni’s firebrand spirit continued to burn,” the president said.

Shixwameni continued to play an important role in the political and social spheres of the country, he said, noting that he served as a member of the National Assembly since 1995 as the youngest member of the parliament at the time.

Geingob said he leaves behind a rich legacy of hard work which many of the parliamentarians that are young should emulate.

Geingob credited Shixwameni for being the co-founder and chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and security.

Speaking on behalf of the children and grandchildren, Pandu Shixwameni said they did not think the day would come so soon in which they had to bid farewell to their best friend, hero and father.

He said their father showed them the kind of love they would never experience again from anybody except their mother.

He said their father taught them to value life but also value people and to work hard.

“Our father was always there for us in our journey of education from primary to university and never missed important events and milestones. He was there whenever we needed him,” the son said.

Speaking on behalf of friends, Dr Marius Kudumo said Shixwameni in his last days was written off by many and suffered loneliness.

He said many people that knew him well and knew his contribution did not even want to be seen talking to him.

Shixwameni died aged 55 on 10 November 2021 after collapsing at parliament.

(NAMPA)

SH/PS