Tributes pour in for Iyambo

As news of the passing of former Vice-President Dr Nickey Iyambo broke, tributes began pouring in. According to the Presidency, Iyambo died in the early morning hours of today. He was due to celebrate his 83rd birthday tomorrow. “Dr Nickey Iyambo, who passed away this morning, leaves behind a rich legacy of loyal service to the Namibian people. Our nation has indeed lost a freedom fighter and a leader with deep humane values,” said President Hage Geingob. Iyambo, who was a trained medical doctor, was appointed vice-president in 2015. He served in that position until his retirement in February last year due to ill-health. Many Namibians took to social media this morning to pay tribute to the Swapo veteran. Businessman Leake Hangala tweeted that he has lost a long-standing friend, comrade and confidante. “Dr Iyambo was one of the humblest, dedicated and reliable person I know. He served his party Swapo and country with dedication and commitment in all those many assignment given to him. Go well my friend!” Chairperson of the National Council Margaret Mensah-Williams said the late Iyambo was a great statesman. “He was a true statesman, a revolutionary and a remarkable human being. My condolences go out to his bereaved wife, family and friends, to H.E Dr. Hage Geingob, Swapo and the entire nation,” she said. Dr Iyambo was born on 20 May 1936 at Onayena in the Oshikoto Region. He joined the liberation struggle in 1960 and left for exile in 1964, served the liberation movement in different capacities, including as Swapo representative to the Nordic countries from 1966-1971. With a Master’s Degree in political science from the University of Helsinki, Finland, Dr Iyambo, a medical doctor, also completed his degree in medicine at the same University. In the 1980’s, he served as Swapo Head of Military Medical Service and numerous capacities.
STAFF REPORTER