Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba has paid tribute to the late Ovambanderu Traditional Authority senior councillor, Gerson Kunomundu Katjirua, remembering him as a selfless leader who served his community tirelessly.

Katjirua, a recognised war veteran, died on 27 April 2025 and was laid to rest at the Ovambanderu Heroes' Acre, also known as Orumbo roVapangurua, in Okahandja on Sunday.

In a speech read on his behalf, Pohamba said Katjirua was deeply respected and loved by his family and by many other Namibians.

“The late comrade Katjirua was known as a generous leader, a man of integrity, a humble servant of the late Chief Munjuku Nguvauva II. He also acted as chief of the OvaMbanderu Traditional Authority,” the former head of state said.

Pohamba recalled Katjirua’s dedicated service to the Ovambanderu community, including accompanying Chief Nguvauva on trips to Zambia before independence to meet Founding President Sam Nujoma in exile during the liberation struggle. The former president said records show Katjirua left Namibia in 1984, travelling through Botswana to Zambia, where he met the Swapo leadership and attended the Swapo party’s consultative conferences in Lusaka.

Pohamba added that Katjirua, affectionately known as ‘Omutize’, joined Swapo's liberation movement during the colonial regime. He noted that the Ovambanderu community faced hardships, such as the denial of basic amenities like diesel and borehole parts, due to their alliance with Swapo.

“We thus mourn the passing of a brave comrade, a kind leader, a real peacemaker, a dear husband, father, brother, and grandfather. May you be strengthened and consoled by the fact that his exemplary life of loyalty, determination, and love for his people will continue to serve as an inspiration to all,” his statement read.

On behalf of his family, the former head of state extended condolences to Katjirua’s widow, Frieda Katjirua; their children, grandchildren, and siblings; all comrades; and the entire bereaved family during this time of sorrow.