REMEMBERING COMMANDER HAINYEKO — THE MEMORIES OF FORMER PRESIDENT HIFIKEPUNYE LUCAS POHAMBA

REMEMBERING COMMANDER TOBIAS MWAFANGEYO HAINYEKO THE MEMORIES OF FORMER PRESIDENT HIFIKEPUNYE LUCAS POHAMBA At the memorial commemoration of the late firs Commander Tobias Mwafangeyo Hainyeko at Ohaihana–Edimba Village, former President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba, shared powerful memories of one of Namibia’s historic liberation figures. Former President Pohamba remembered the early group of Namibians who travelled into exile, including those led by Otto Nanghudu, and paid tribute to former Commissioner Elisa Haulyondjaba, who was also present at the commemoration. Pohamba recalled Haulyondjaba’s contribution to the liberation struggle and his remembrance of the life and legacy of Tobias Hainyeko. Pohamba also shared a deeply personal memory of his last meeting with Commander Hainyeko. He recalled how Tobias came to his house in Lusaka, Zambia, making him one of the last SWAPO officials known to have met him before his final mission. Pohamba remembered that the driver who took Tobias was, if his memory serves him correctly, Ananias Angula. Three days later, the devastating news arrived that Commander Hainyeko had been killed by the South African army. Former President Pohamba reflected on the enormous human cost of the liberation struggle. He wondered what might have happened if Tobias Hainyeko and Shimbwaye had been buried in South Africa rather than being lost at sea, noting that the struggle that followed resulted in many lives being lost, including at Cassinga in Angola. Pohamba expressed his wish to attend the planned 2027 joint Namibia–Angola commemoration of Cassinga, should the two governments proceed with the event. He also reflected on the words “Ohatu vakolila” and “Ovetukolila”, expressing the pain and sacrifices of the many people who lost their lives during Namibia’s colonial history and the struggle against South African occupation. Former President Pohamba thanked the Kashihakumwa Family for organizing the memorial to remember Commander Tobias Hainyeko, nearly 59 years after his death. Even though he is no longer in government, Pohamba used the occasion to encourage continued development of the communities connected to the liberation struggle. He referred to the meaning behind names such as Tulongeni/Tutungeni — “Let us work” or “Let us build.” His message was clear: we must continue working, building and developing Namibia for future generations. Tobias Hainyeko may have left this planet, but his name, his sacrifice and the history of those who fought for Namibia must never be forgotten. 🎥 Tutwala TV — Your Trusted Social Media TV Taking You There. Showing You Our History. Tutwala TV is committed to bringing you the voices of our leaders, elders, historians, families and witnesses who carry the memories of Africa’s history. Our history. Our people. Our stories. Our future. 🌍🇳🇦 #TutwalaTV #TobiasHainyeko #HifikepunyePohamba #KashihakumwaFamily #NamibianHistory #Namibia #LiberationHistory #AfricanHistory #Cassinga #Ohaihana #Edimba #TutwalaTVHistory #OurHistoryOurFuture