Gurirab put Usakos and Namibia on the map: Nandi-Ndaitwah

USAKOS, 19 JUL – Former Foreign Affairs Minister Theo-Ben Gurirab took not only his home town of Usakos, but the entire country, to international heights, Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Wednesday.
She was speaking during a memorial service held in Gurirab’s honour at Usakos.
He died in Windhoek on Saturday.
The deputy prime minister said the late Gurirab was not just a Namibian diplomat, but also an international diplomat who had an impact on many people’s lives.
“Theo-Ben left a mark that no one will be able to remove. The walls of the United Nations carry the image of Gurirab as one of those who served as president of the general assembly,” Nandi-Ndaitwah, who also serves as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said.
While serving as foreign affairs minister, Gurirab was elected as president of the United Nations General Assembly on 14 September 1999, a position he served in until September 2000.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further said he was “very focused and was able to skilfully communicate in any situation when putting across the Namibian message” during the liberation struggle.
“Along with his comrades, Gurirab made it possible for Swapo to be recognised as the sole authentic representative of the Namibian people by the international community, which is a great achievement,” she said.
She added that the former Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament was a very considerate, but focused person who always made sure things were done right the first time.
“Theo-Ben would always tell you that when writing or talking to someone, ensure that you understand everything you write or say yourself, while at the same time making sure the other person will understand what you are trying to say.”
Another memorial service will be held in Windhoek on Friday, when Gurirab’s body will lie in state at Parliament Gardens. He will be laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre on Saturday.
(NAMPA)