Former Otjombinde constituency councillor and Omaheke secretary of the Swapo Party Elders Council, Aaron Marenga, was buried over the weekend in Okatuuo Village.

Marenga died about a week ago aged 65.

He served as Otjombinde Councillor from 2009 to 2015.

Various speakers described him as a giant and a strategic thinker who advocated for rural development in the Omaheke Region.

Marenga, who was also a farmer, helped to establish, among others, the Eastern Epukiro Farmers Association and Omuramba wa Mbinda Conservancy in his area.

Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate said Marenga didn't believe that any barrier could ever limit him in his commitment to serve his community.

"He did not see leadership as a title but as a responsibility, he walked the dusty roads with people, shared their struggles and worked tirelessly to improve their lives. With the Swapo party, Comrade Karii was a true cadre: disciplined, loyal and selfless."

The Chairperson of the Omaheke Regional Council, Rocco Nguvauva, said the late Marenga will be remembered for his contribution towards the construction of the Omaheke Regional Council office in Gobabis.

"I will relate the late Marenga to Moses, who moved the Israelites out of Egypt, so him and also Festus Ueitele. I am seeing here also that these are the pioneers of this region, as they have worked very hard to ensure that even today we are sitting in a modern regional council office with air conditioning and chambers, so he has done his part."

The late Aaron Karii Marenga is survived by his wife, Kukasana, and eight children.