Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba unveiled a statue in honour of the late liberation struggle stalwart, Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, at Ondangwa in the Oshana Region.

Mbumba described the late Ya Toivo as a great freedom fighter, statesman, and a true, patriotic Namibian.

The statue's unveiling follows the renaming of Ondangwa Airport to the Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport in 2019.

Mbumba says Ya Toivo embodied the highest values of bravery, peace, compassion and human dignity.

The statute, he says, brings to mind the immense contribution made by Ya Toivo as a political prisoner at Robben Island. "It is therefore befitting to have renamed this strategic national asset in honour of the illustrious freedom fighter from Omangundu village, Onayena constituency, Oshikoto Region, thus completing the historic inaugural event which started in August 2019. And from this day, all Namibians, visitors from near and far, and residents of Ondangwa will be inspired by Andimba Toivo ya Toivo's legacy by looking at this magnificent statue."

The late Ya Toivo's widow, Vicky Ya Toivo, described him as a determined warrior who wanted to see his country liberated from colonialism. "This statue reminds us of Andimba's vision and his conviction that the struggle continues. This is what you should remember when you look at the statue. The struggle continues. Join me to salute Andimba."

Namibia Airports Company Board Chairperson, Leake Hangala, commended the government for renaming the airport after an iconic leader, adding that it is a humble tribute to his legacy. "Today marks a special day in which we continue to ink Ya Toivo's name and memory in our lives so that he is buried in the hearts of our people as they work together to realise his ideals of freedom and human dignity."