• Dr. Elia George Kaiyamo

It is with profound sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of comrade Kuzeeko Kangueehi, a revered educator, freedom fighter, and pillar of our nation’s liberation struggle. His departure leaves a void not only in our hearts but in the collective memory of Namibia. 

 Comrade Kangueehi was a man of extraordinary principle and purpose. Highly educated, with a matric qualification and teaching diploma from one of South Africa’s finest universities, he consciously chose a path of sacrifice. Turning away lucrative opportunities under the apartheid regime, he dedicated himself to shaping minds at Martin Luther High School, where he accepted a meagre compensation from the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

This selflessness epitomized his unwavering commitment to liberating Namibian children from the chains of colonialism and imperialism.  As a teacher, he was more than an instructor. He was a torchbearer of our revolution. Alongside departed late comrades like Gerson Veii, Milner Thlabanello, Dan Tjongarero and others.

He ignited in us, the fire of resistance, aligning his efforts with SWAPO’s vanguard role in our struggle. His lessons transcended textbooks, embedding in students the courage to envision and fight for a free Namibia.  

In his personal life, comrade Kangueehi and his beloved wife, Constantia Tjipura, embodied a love that inspired generations. To us, their bond was celestial, a testament of unity and devotion, that young couples aspired to emulate. Even in grief, may ‘Mama Consty’, find solace in knowing their love remains an eternal beacon.  

Beyond the classroom, he was a community pillar, embodying Mao’s principle of ‘peaceful coexistence’, by moving effortlessly among the people, fostering harmony, and uplifting spirits. His tenure as my mentor and colleague at A. Shipena Secondary School in 1990, marked the pinnacle of my teaching career, as he guided me with wisdom and humility during Namibia’s formative year of independence. 

Comrade Kangueehi’s legacy is etched in our nation’s history. May the City of Windhoek honour him, as he rightly deserves, perhaps with a street named for the man who served as a ‘fire brigade’ in quenching the flames of oppression post-Boer defeat.

Let us find strength in unity as we mourn. Our greatest tribute will be to uphold his ideals of educating future generations, nurturing love within families and safeguarding the freedoms he fought to secure. To the Kanguuehi and Tjipura families, may you be comforted by the knowledge that his life was a blessing to Namibia. 

As he ascends to prepare a place for us all, may his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of the almighty.  

*Rest in Power, Comrade Kuzeeko Kangueehi.*Your light will never dim.