Founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma has called on Namibians to strive for a united, egalitarian society.
This message was delivered during the memorial service in honour of Professor Gerhard Tötemeyer.
Nujoma's remarks made on his behalf by Benita Imbamba, the chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, on the memorial service for the late professor, who died recently at Swakopmund.
Politicians and members of the public in the coastal town paid homage to one of Namibia's champions of democracy, Professor Gerhard Tötemeyer.
The professor, who described himself in his autobiography as a rebel for change, was committed to justice over the decades of his life.
As a powerful writer, he rendered his selfless service to Namibians and South Africans, who described him as their friend, father, academic, politician, catalyst, and mediator.
The Erongo Regional Council's chairperson, Benitha Imbamba, read the founding father's speech, Dr. Sam Nujoma, while Erongo Governor Neville Andre was represented by the Chief Regional Officer.
"We have lost a man who was able to transcend political differences and to reach out and forge alliances in pursuit of a common goal. May we, like our departed professor Totemeyer, regard service to our country as the highest calling and do so with humility and courage."
"Perhaps Professor Tötemeyer's most enduring legacy lies in the realm of academia. As a scholar and educator, he inspired generations of students to think critically, act compassionately, and strive for excellence. His passion for knowledge and unwavering belief in the power of education illuminated the path for countless aspiring minds, nurturing a legacy of intellectual curiosity and scholarly achievement that will endure for generations to come," says Sam Ntelamo, Chief Regional Officer of the Erongo Region.
Reminiscing about the past, Daniel Muhura, the Swapo Party Coordinator, read the message from the Ambassador to China, Elia Kaiyamo.
"My late father used to call him "Omumati wondilo," an expensive fellow, as he was good-mannered and very hardworking, for that matter, despite his background and his class position in our society. He remained exemplary of how pastors' kids should behave, and we learned so much from him. Professor was a friend to all and a dear comrade and colleague of extraordinary flavour in our country."