Usakos community members remember the late Gurirab

USAKOS, 18 JUL  – Usakos community members have described the late Theo-Ben Gurirab as a soft-spoken man whose words always meant a lot to them.
The former Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament died in Windhoek on Saturday at the age of 80.
A memorial service is being held in his hometown of Usakos on Wednesday.
The main memorial service will be held in Windhoek on Friday, when Gurirab’s body will lie in state at Parliament Gardens, before his burial at Heroes’ Acre outside Windhoek on Saturday.
Nampa spoke to community members while waiting for the memorial service at the Juvilate Lutheran Church to start.
“Gurirab always encouraged unity and never liked being associated with one tribe. This was one thing he taught us to take on,” said Diina Shikesho, a teacher at the town.
Shikesho, who has interviewed Gurirab before, added that he was a” very intelligent, God-fearing man who was always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Another community member, Lucia Dlamini described him as “a caring member of society who never missed special events at Usakos.”
“Although we never really knew him well growing up, we still had the opportunity to meet him when he would come back for funerals or weddings, which he always attended no matter what,” Dlamini said.
A group of elderly women dressed in traditional Damara attire performed a dance in the late Gurirab’s honour, while a group of learners were also set to perform songs.
Gurirab is survived by his wife, two sons and his grandchildren.
NAMPA