Family, friends, and loved ones describe the late Toini Hausiku as an inspiring and loving woman who believed in uniting everybody.

Hausiku was a former Deputy Mayor of Rundu as well as the widow of liberation struggle icon Marco Hausiku.

Toini Mwahangange Hausiku died in a Windhoek hospital on the 19th of July at the age of 72.

Those who knew her say she will forever be missed by the communities that she so tirelessly served.

Timothy Shangadhi is Hausiku's eldest child. He said  growing up, he always had to share his mother's affection with other children and whoever entered the comfort of their house.

"She loved people, and they loved her in return. For that, we are deeply grateful. The party she loved so dearly has shown its support, and it is evident here today—from Windhoek to Rundu. Even the Head of State paid a personal visit to our home to comfort the family, and we are truly grateful. We are also grateful to the people of Rundu for honouring her. She served them well, and they have paid tribute to her by closing this street in her honour and naming it Hausiku Street. We are especially grateful to the Mbunza Royal Family for the honour they have bestowed upon her by allowing her to be laid to rest in the cemetery reserved for the Hompas."

Those who worked with Hausiku in politics described her as a woman with very few words.
Bonifasius Kudumo also bid last respect.

"She always told us that, when you are a leader, you must think about the people first and put yourself last. I am deeply saddened that we have lost a great leader. We will honour her legacy and remember her always."

Amos Likuwa is one of the many people who stayed at the Hausiku residence, calling it a hive of political activity.

"She was a guerrilla, a fighter, and a unifier. The spirit of 'One Namibia, One Nation' was part of who she was. I remember one night when we were arrested with her. SWAPO had been banned from holding a public meeting in Windhoek. We had left her at home, but we were arrested and taken to the Katutura Police Station. She was a fighter, and the struggle continued in that house."

Frieda Siwombe is one of Hausiku's many close friends.

"She was a woman of great caliber, with a beautiful soul that touched the lives of many people. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and warmth that will never be forgotten.
She is a hero, and heroes never die. She will be remembered forever, and she will always be a true comrade."

Theresia Mukoso is Hausiku's sister in law. She says what sets Hausiku apart is the fact that she does not discriminate.

“She took care of all the family members, both the haves and the have-nots. She all treated them the same. She encouraged us to continue living, even after her husband's death. She was a problem-solver, and she was fair. When Toini spoke, everyone listened, and they would do what she asked them to. Even in her final days, she still managed to be the humble soul that she was.”

A memorial service is scheduled for today (Friday) at the Rundu Trade Fair Centre, while the funeral will take place at the Mbunza Royal Cemetery at Kapako in Kavango West tomorrow (Saturday).

Hausiku is survived by five children and 15 grandchildren.