The Otjinene community has lost a stalwart traditional leader and member of the Senior Traditional Council of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, Usiel Kambirongo.
The 82-year-old Kambirongo died on the 5th of August after battling with a long illness.
Otjinene Constituency Councillor Erwin Katjizeu says they have lost a trendsetter, a dedicated traditional leader, an icon, and a father figure.
Katjizeu says that the late Kambirongo is ranked among those who fought to ensure that culture and traditional norms are preserved.
The councillor also added that the late Kambirongo always advocated for unity and progress and acted as an adjudicator when it came to traditional authority conflicts.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing on of our beloved and respected senior councillor. Usiel Joina Kambirongo has been a guiding light and a cornerstone of our Otjinene constituency. He was a leader who embedded wisdom, strength, and companionship; his dedication to our tradition and culture was unwavering; he worked tirelessly to ensure that our heritage was preserved and respected.
Senior traditional council member, Ndiuaaka Kaaronda, said that the traditional authority lost a visionary leader and an advisor.
"At the level of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, we have lost a unique person, our light, and a teacher. We have lost someone from whom the community always leaned. He does not say much, but when he speaks, he always has a solution and a plan."
Kaaronda said that the Otjinene area has been a popular place for the late Kambirongo when it comes to traditional activities, even in times when he had pressing health issues and age.
A family member of the late Kambirongo, Tepii Kaaheke, emphasised that the family has lost a breadwinner and one who always led family gatherings.
"We have lost someone with different characters at home, but the Lord shall keep us one day. We shall tell our generation about his commitment. Since he has been a leader, he might go to one of the historical sites of the Ovaherero community."