The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, led his final session in the August House this afternoon after serving in the position for ten years.
In his farewell speech, Professor Katjavivi emphasised that his departure does not mark the end of his political career or service to the country; he stated that he remains available to serve when needed.
Professor Katjavivi said that he is leaving Parliament a happy and satisfied man, having served to the best of his ability.
Katjavivi served as Speaker of the National Assembly for a decade, first elected in 2015 at the age of 74 and reelected for a second term at 79.
His political journey dates back to 1966, when he studied history, law, and political science at the University of Dar es Salaam.
He was also a founding member of the Constituent Assembly.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the 7th Parliament, including divisions, disagreements, and misunderstandings, Katjavivi clarified that these were never meant to offend but were based on principles of upholding parliamentary rules and procedures.
He lauded the National Assembly's decision to honour leaders who contributed to Namibia's democracy by renaming key parliamentary spaces after them.
"Many will come and go, but parliaments and countries go on. We shall go, and others will come after us, but whoever comes will remember this period of our early years and its appropriateness for our experience. They will come but will be reminded of the groundwork of our founding mothers and fathers."
The Parliament restaurant was named after Doreen Sioka, the courtyard after outgoing Deputy Speaker Loide Kasingo, and the Parliament clinic after outgoing PDM MP Elma Dienda.
Some of the areas were already named after some trailblazer parliamentarians: the National Assembly building was named after Dr. Mose Tjitendero, the first speaker of the house; the Parliament Gardens were named after the late President Hage Geingob; and the Blue Conference Room was named after Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab.
Today's session also had several outgoing MPs deliver their farewell speeches, marking the end of their tenure.