The Hardap Region's political leadership described the death of the region's first female governor and former Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture as a great loss. 

Katrina Hanse-Himarwa (57) died on Sunday morning after battling cancer. 

Hardap Governor Salomon April, in his condolence message, described the late Hanse-Himarwa as a person who was guided and driven by passion and the courage of her convictions. 

"Let's mourn the loss of this very brave lady, but let's continue to cherish that fearless character, that courageous character, that character that wants to see change if that voice is the only voice that thing to be imperative for change, and that is what Katrina was. Continue to realise that the Namibian government is not the only agent to bring change; every individual living in this country like Mutti did so from her own salary, from her husband's and family's collection, whatever they had, she was serving the nation, serving the people. Let's serve the people like Mutti served the people, and therefore, when you continue to cry, wail, mourn, and be bereaved, let me comfort you with Psalm 20 verse 1: May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble."

Swapo Party's Hardap Coordinator, Joplin !Gontes remembered the late former minister as a strong fighter who departed too soon. 

"I knew her as a fighter; I knew that she would fight this course, and I believed and hoped that she would make it, and it would not be now; yes, it would be someday, but it would not be now. But learning about her passing is a great loss to the Hardap Region.  It's a great loss to any individual who has known her. Comrade Hanse-Himarwa was a mentor to many people, a strong woman who stood firm for whatever she believed in."