//Kharas Region’s Swapo Party members remember Gurirab

KEETMANSHOOP, 21 JUL  – Theo-Ben Gurirab was progressive, hardworking and patriotic, the Swapo Party’s regional coordinator for //Kharas, Matheus Mumbala said on Thursday.
He was speaking during a memorial service held in the former Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament’s honour in Keetmanshoop.
Gurirab died in Windhoek last Saturday at the age of 80. He will be laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre on Saturday.
Mumbala said Gurirab impressed people with his loyalty to Swapo during difficult times.
“The history of our liberation struggle taught us how he worked closely with Dr Hage Geingob and the late comrade Hidipo Hamutenya as they demanded freedom, independence, equality and justice for Namibia throughout the world,” he said.
Mumbala said Namibia has lost a loyalist, a mentor and above all a veteran of the liberation struggle and his work internationally during diplomatic assignments before and after independence will not be forgotten.
“He left behind a legacy of hard work, bravery, nation building, dedication and uncompromising spirit that pursued the ideals of solidarity, freedom and justice for all without fail,” he added.
Keetmanshoop Mayor, Gaudentia Krohne said Gurirab will be remembered as “a true Namibian, a true liberation struggle hero, a true leader of Swapo and the Republic of Namibia and a great man”.
“We came to know him as a great speaker, one that allowed his audience private glimpses of himself, whilst remaining totally in control of the situation. I am sure we all recall how Gurirab, as Speaker of the National Assembly could exercise command while being soft-spoken,” she said.
Gurirab served as Swapo’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 1986 to 1990.
He was Minister of Foreign Affairs from Namibia’s independence in 1990 until 2002, when he started serving as Prime Minister.
Gurirab served in this position until 2005 and was then Speaker of the National Assembly until 2015.
He also served as Swapo’s Chief Representative to the United Nations for 14 years.
(NAMPA)