Jane Katjavivi hailed as having ‘transcended race’
STAFF REPORTER
WINDHOEK
President Hage Geingob yesterday led tributes for author Jane Katjavivi, who allegedly died aboard a plane bound for Windhoek from a foreign trip. She was 70.Unconfirmed reports suggest that English-born Katjavivi and her husband, National Assembly speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi, were returning home from a trip to Wales when she died of a suspected heart attack while seated next to her husband.
High-ranking government officials, including deputy speaker of the National Assembly Loide Kasingo and deputy minister of mines Kornelia Shilunga, were among the first mourners to visit the couple’s home in Windhoek yesterday morning.
Katjavivi was the founding publisher of the University of Namibia (Unam) Press from 2011 to 2016, and author of a memoir titled Undisciplined Heart, among other publications.
Geingob said: “Jane will be sorely missed by many of us for her gentle demeanour and willingness to offer assistance to those in need. During this difficult hour of grief for the Katjavivi family, I extend on behalf of the Namibian people and government, my wife Monica Geingos and my family sincere condolences to my dear brother, Comrade Peter Katjavivi, the children and the entire bereaved family”.
‘Transcended race’
Professor Mutjinde Katjiua, who was recently coronated as Ovaherero paramount chief, described Katjavivi as “a daughter of our community and the Namibian nation at large”.
He said: “She has been a pillar of support to Professor Peter Katjavivi during the dark days of exile and the dawn of independence with its challenges. She was a great mother to Perivi, Isabelle, Uanaingi and many others as well as a loving grandmother”.
He described Katjavivi as “a humble soul who - in conduct and disposition - transcended race and thus radiated humanity at its best”.
Katjavivi worked for Swapo in London as an information officer from 1976 till 1978, before later moving on to magazine and book publishing.
“She married the Swapo activist and historian Professor Peter Katjavivi and they moved to Namibia shortly before independence in 1990,” the National Assembly said in its own tribute late yesterday.
“Madame Katjavivi was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, and a friend to many around the world.
“She will be remembered for her gentleness, kindness, consideration and eagerness for helping people and for contributing to the writing of Namibian stories.”
WINDHOEK
President Hage Geingob yesterday led tributes for author Jane Katjavivi, who allegedly died aboard a plane bound for Windhoek from a foreign trip. She was 70.Unconfirmed reports suggest that English-born Katjavivi and her husband, National Assembly speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi, were returning home from a trip to Wales when she died of a suspected heart attack while seated next to her husband.
High-ranking government officials, including deputy speaker of the National Assembly Loide Kasingo and deputy minister of mines Kornelia Shilunga, were among the first mourners to visit the couple’s home in Windhoek yesterday morning.
Katjavivi was the founding publisher of the University of Namibia (Unam) Press from 2011 to 2016, and author of a memoir titled Undisciplined Heart, among other publications.
Geingob said: “Jane will be sorely missed by many of us for her gentle demeanour and willingness to offer assistance to those in need. During this difficult hour of grief for the Katjavivi family, I extend on behalf of the Namibian people and government, my wife Monica Geingos and my family sincere condolences to my dear brother, Comrade Peter Katjavivi, the children and the entire bereaved family”.
‘Transcended race’
Professor Mutjinde Katjiua, who was recently coronated as Ovaherero paramount chief, described Katjavivi as “a daughter of our community and the Namibian nation at large”.
He said: “She has been a pillar of support to Professor Peter Katjavivi during the dark days of exile and the dawn of independence with its challenges. She was a great mother to Perivi, Isabelle, Uanaingi and many others as well as a loving grandmother”.
He described Katjavivi as “a humble soul who - in conduct and disposition - transcended race and thus radiated humanity at its best”.
Katjavivi worked for Swapo in London as an information officer from 1976 till 1978, before later moving on to magazine and book publishing.
“She married the Swapo activist and historian Professor Peter Katjavivi and they moved to Namibia shortly before independence in 1990,” the National Assembly said in its own tribute late yesterday.
“Madame Katjavivi was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, and a friend to many around the world.
“She will be remembered for her gentleness, kindness, consideration and eagerness for helping people and for contributing to the writing of Namibian stories.”
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