The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has lowered its corporate flag at its head office on Monday morning in honour of the public broadcaster's long-serving employee Lamech Mwanyangapo, who died on Saturday after battling cancer.

Colleagues gathered for a moment of silence, remembering a career that spanned almost three decades.

For nearly three decades, Lamech Mwanyangapo was part of the NBC family.

And for his co-workers, some of whom he became close friends with, his death is a great loss.

Mwanyangapo joined the corporation in 1995 as a camera operator, at a time when Namibia's media industry was still taking shape after independence.

"He was a remarkable presence in the newsroom and, in fact, here at NBC. He was streetwise, witty and generous with his knowledge. He had a way of making those around him better journalists and better people," stated colleague Anna Nicodemus. 

For Nicodemus, Mwanyangapo's influence extended beyond the workplace. She remembers him as someone who taught her to overcome fear and face difficult situations without intimidation.

Acting Chief of News and Programming, Peter Denk, remembers Mwanyangapo for his warmth, kindness and contribution to the NBC family.

"He was a very, very respected member of our company, the NBC. His warmth, his kindness, and his good-hearted nature will be missed across the organisation."

After retiring in 2024, Mwanyangapo remained connected to NBC as a sales consultant.

Chief of Commercial Services Nico Mwiya says he played a role in securing business for the corporation and remained committed to his work.

"He was very, very instrumental. There are a lot of memories that we share in terms of how his support was actually driving those revenues." 

NBC Director General Menesia Muinjo says Mwanyangapo's contribution formed part of the corporation's role in developing Namibia's media landscape.

She says his commitment to the corporation remained evident until his final days.

"There is so much that you may still pick up from his contribution towards the media industry. Those who had worked with him had to work on the transformation of the media landscape immediately after independence. It's so strange, the passion that drives us, even in your hour of your last moments of being with us." 

"It was about four weeks ago, exactly when I last greeted Tate Lamech, at this very spot where I am standing. His chapter is now closed, a painful chapter. I now sign off on the unique way that Tate Lamech would call me, Emilry Seibeb, NBC News."