Nujoma remembers Schimming-Chase as “exceptional patriot”

WINDHEOK, 17 MAR – Founding President and leader of the Namibian revolution, Sam Nujoma, said the late Nora Schimming-Chase played pivotal role in shaping Namibian politics, spoke freely and will be located in history as an exceptional servant of the people.
Speaking at Schimming-Chase’s memorial service in the capital on Friday, Nujoma called on Namibians to unite in her honour.
Nujoma attested that characteristics such as fearless, determined, exceptional, astute, orator, omnipotent political acumen and patriot best fitted to describe the late diplomat-cum-political activist.
In addition to this, she was among the fearless Namibian women, who were determined to fight against colonial oppression and injustices, added Nujoma.
“All those who knew Madame Ambassador Schimming-Chase or who have worked with her either in Parliament or as a diplomat have described the services she has rendered to our country exceptional and I can attest to that,” added Nujoma – who gave Schimming-Chase her first diplomatic assignments in post independent Namibia.
“She was instrumental in establishing our mission abroad immediately after independence,” he continued.
Nujoma noted that it was in the spirit of nation building and reconciliation, that he saw it fit to appoint Schimming-Chase as Namibia’s first ambassador to Germany in June 1992.
When Nujoma appointed Schimming-Chase at the time, she plied her trade in Swanu – an opposition party – and not to the ruling Swapo party.
In 1999, Schimming-Chase and other disgruntled Swapo members formed the Congress of Democrats (CoD).
Nujoma went on to narrate Schimming-Chase’s time in Parliament under CoD’s banner.
“As a member of Parliament, she was always free to speak her mind,” noted Nujoma, adding that she was equally determined to fight for the rights of others, particularly women.
Additionally, Schimming-Chase played a “pivotal role” in shaping Namibian politics before and after independence.
“She has completed her journey and fulfilled her part. I urge the future generations of Namibia to emulate her exemplary feats,” Nujoma said to close to 300 mourners.
Nujoma then thanked the Namibian government under the stewardship of President Hage Geingob for conferring the honour of a state funeral for her heroic exploits.
Schimming-Chase died on Tuesday after a long illness. She is survived by three children, two grandchildren and one sibling.
She will be buried at her farm, De Rust, in the Hardap Region on Saturday.

NAMPA