Mbumba leads tributes for ‘tenacious leader’ Hanse-Himarwa

As the nation mourns Swapo politburo member and former education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa (57), tributes are pouring in from colleagues, friends and political allies who remember her for her tenacity and leadership.

Hanse-Himarwa had been bravely battling cancer, and lost the fight in a Windhoek hospital yesterday morning.

She resigned from Cabinet in July 2019 following a corruption conviction in the Windhoek High Court, but was appointed to the politburo in 2022 by late Swapo president Hage Geingob after the party’s elective congress.

Despite the controversy, she remained a respected figure within Swapo, with many remembering her dedication and service to the nation.

Fought courageously

In a statement, President Nangolo Mbumba said Hanse-Himarwa’s death has robbed our nation of a patriot who fought courageously for the birth of an independent nation in which the Namibian learner and child could gain access to education and pursue his or her dreams.

“The achievements of Comrade Hanse-Himarwa as a passionate teacher and educationalist are highly commendable. Undoubtedly, the Namibian learner and the nation at large have benefitted immensely from her contributions as a teacher and head teacher, including her educational reforms during her tenure of service as minister of education,” he said.

“During this period of grief for our nation and the family, I extend - on behalf of the people and government - my most sincere condolences to her husband, children and the entire family.”

Strong character, personality

In an interview with NBC, Hanse-Himarwa’s husband Ghenno Himarwa expressed shock at her sudden passing.

"We knew that she was sick. We went through difficult times, and I was 100% involved in seeing that she was well most of the time. But we didn't expect that she would go so soon. She was a strong person with a strong character and personality, someone who made sense when she spoke and cared for everyone in this country. She was respected in her work as a minister, governor and councillor," he said.

"Two weeks ago, she donated blankets because she realised it was very cold and many people were sleeping in the riverbeds. She also donated a lot of school shoes, which she bought with her own resources," he added.

Himarwa described his wife’s passing as a profound loss for their family.

"She took care of the household, the grandchildren and even myself most of the time. So, it's a great loss. I don't know how I will manage all these things, but as the head of the household, we have to move on. There is no other way. We have to move on because we have learnt a lot from her, and we must put that into practice now.”

Beacon of strength

Meanwhile, Swapo Party Youth League secretary Ephraim Nekongo praised her as more than just a member of the politburo.

"She was a beacon of strength, dedication and unwavering commitment to the ideals and values of our party. Appointed to the politburo by our late Swapo president in 2022, she carried forward the torch of leadership with exceptional grace and tenacity,” he said.

"She played a pivotal role in grooming our members into future leaders, sharing her wisdom and providing guidance with a nurturing and encouraging spirit. Her mentorship has helped shape the path for many young individuals within our party, and her influence will be felt for years to come," Nekongo added.

Well–read, intelligent

Former gossip reporter Chris-Paul Haingura, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the former minister during her corruption trial, remembered her as a well-read and intelligent person.

"She always knew what she was talking about. For me, the credit I want to give her is the fact that she turned me from a loose cannon, wild and ignorant, into a more focused and progressive person. She would listen to everybody, but make no mistake, she took no nonsense from anyone."

"For those of us fortunate enough to know her, she was very passionate about people, especially children. She loved children, and you could see that everywhere she went. She was a people's person, and at the same time, she was not afraid to take the lead, even to lead men. When men shied away from a battle, she would stand up and lead,” Haingura said.