Tributes continue to pour in for the late Swapo Party liberation stalwart Erkki Nghimtina as many reminisce on his life pre- and post-independence.
Nghimtina died on Sunday, aged 77.
Former Ohangwena Governor Billy Mwaningange spoke fondly of the late Nghimtina.
He described him as a radio communications expert. Mwaningange said Nghimtina also mentored him during his time at the helm of the Ohangwena Region.
"The history which he made has come to an end, but the role he played remains a still useful way for the development of Namibia. Socially, politically, and economically, it remains. He left a very important history, and I urge young people to take off where Comrade Nghimtina had left."
One sibling, Velinase Nghimtina, said his brother displayed leadership qualities from a young age - a sign that he was destined for greatness.
"He was so talented, and it was amazing for us and our late parents too. Growing up in Eembidi village, he was the first person to wake everyone up. We are grateful that God carried him both in exile and until he came back home to his family."
The Ohangwena Region's Swapo Party Coordinator Fillemon Josua says Nghimtina remained steadfast in his duties until his death.
"He is a man of the people who gave advice even if he was not asked. He is a mentor, and as we are here to mourn his passing, we want him to be remembered as a great military man whose contributions to Namibian freedom and independence will not be forgotten and his liberation struggle, and we want the nation to remember him forever."
Nghimtina joined the liberation struggle and received military training in the Soviet Union and held various portfolios, including that of Swapo Party supervisor for the eastern front, until 1979.
He was also the director of communication for the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).
Post-independence, Nghimtina was a member of parliament from 1995 to 2020 when he retired from active politics.
Nghimtina served in various ministerial portfolios such as Minister of Defence, Works and Transport, Labour and Mines and Energy.
He is survived by his wife and 19 children.
Memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.