The former Swanu President and veteran politician, Dr. Rihupisa Kandando, was buried at Omitivine village in Aminuis constituency over the weekend.

Dr. Kandando died on the 23rd of December, aged 60. He was accorded an official
funeral by President Hage Godfried Geingob.

Various speakers described the late Kandando as an academic of note, who they said played a pivotal role as a lecturer and head of the pathology department at the University of Namibia.

Delivering the message of condolence on behalf of the President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob.
The Minister in the Presidency, Christine ||Hoebes described the late Kandando as an
icon of the liberation struggle.

||Hoebes added that the former president of SWANU of Namibia, the late Dr Kandando, also
contributed immensely to nation-building.

"Namibia's struggle for indolence was fought on different fronts, namely political, diplomatic, and military. Dr. kandando like many other Namibians of his time, played an important role from various fronts towards the independence of Namibia, considering the contribution to nation-building and the service to Namibia and her people. Dr kandando legacy is not confined to a regular chapter but encompasses a rich tapestry of service that has left an indelible mark on the nation he so loved."

On behalf of the family, the late Kandando's daughter, Tuapeua, said that despite his father being a seasoned politician, he was always present as a father and always advocated for education and farming.

"If we could describe our dad in a short poem, we would say we realise that when God loves you, he won't necessarily bless you with earthly wealth such as materials; however, he will bless you with favour and love, which will make you a better thinker. Our dad was a sacrificial, selfless, and principled man. He was a man who did thorough research."

Former Swanu President Usutuaije Maamberua also attended the burial.

"Rihu, there was a revolutionary spirit that you could feel when he acted; in Rihu there was discipline; you could see when he walked in Rihu there was honour; you could hear it when he spoke in Rihu; there was courage; you could see it in his eyes; in Rihu there was loyalty that he did not compromise.

The late Kandando survived by his wife Edla and four children.