In commemorating 50 years since the death of OvaHerero Paramount Chief Hosea Kutako, President Hage Geingob referred to the late chief as an iconic Namibian.

In a statement delivered on his behalf by the presidential press secretary, Dr Alfredo Hengari, Geingob said that the late Chief Kutako was not only a torchbearer who fought against German colonial occupation of Namibia, but he also survived the 1904-1908 Genocide to become an early petitioner to the United Nations against the occupation of Namibia by Apartheid South Africa.

He added that Chief Kutako’s fight for an independent Namibia inspired many of them to join the liberation struggle and to pursue the twin goals of freedom and unity for the Namibian people.

He further added that Chief Kutako and other early nationalists have inspired him.

Geingob said that Kutako’s calm authority, his deep wisdom and consistent pursuit of a united Namibian and people should continue to guide Namibia in the tasks of nation-building and the development of a country in which all citizens can flourish and develop to their full potential.

Geingob said that Namibia has honoured Chief Kutako by naming the main road in Windhoek and the main international airport after him, as a testimony to the legacy of unity for all Namibians, to which he dedicated his consequential life of struggle for a free nation.

He further said that Kutakos imposing statue in front of Parliament underscores the prominence of his work in bringing Namibians together as they build a better future.

Geingob added that on 26 August 2002, Chief Kutako was decorated at the inauguration of Heroes Acre as one of the first national heroes of Namibia.

“As we pay homage on this special occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death, to honour his memory, we are summoned to deepen unity among ourselves, fighting against the vices of division, tribalism and racism.”

Furthermore, we should honour the memory of Chief Kutako by acting with an acute sense of solidarity and unity of purpose as we work for social justice for the people of Namibia, said Geingob.