A sea of mourners, some sitting in the hot sun, a few in the shade of palm trees and others under umbrellas, bid Uukolonkadhi chief Daniel Shooya farewell on Saturday.
Shooya (97) was laid to rest at Oshika village near Onesi in the Omusati region. He was one of the longest-serving traditional leaders in northern Namibia and assumed the chieftaincy in 1985 following chief Iikasha ya Nkandi’s death.
Shooya, whose funeral was state-assisted, died at his house on 31 October.
His white casket, draped in the Namibian flag, was lowered into the ground while minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus directed the ceremony.
Shooya’s widow, Selma, sandwiched between former first lady Monica Geingos and Uukwaluudhi queen Liisa Nandjala-Taapopi, laid the first wreath.
“We thank chief Daniel Shivute Shooya for his service to the people of Uukolonkadhi and Namibia,” Theofelus said.
Former minister of mines and energy Isak Katali, also a member of the Uukolonkadhi community, described the late Shooya as “a great personality who touched the lives of many people”.
Senior Uukolonkadhi headman Ismael Nekwaya delivered a eulogy, recalling Shooya’s sharp-shooting skills. He described him as a being a “sniper” in his youth.
Nekwaya also shared anecdotes of Shooya’s role in supporting the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, providing soldiers with food and shelter.
He shared that the soldiers would call him ‘jackal’. “He was a humble, Christian, God-fearing and peaceful man who took care of his family and the Uukolonkadhi community,” Nekwaya said.
He said Shooya was a giver, a good leader and truthful.
“He was a brave man,” Nekwaya continued. Shooya was the minister of home affairs in the Owambo administration from 1973 to 1989. Helena Ekandjo, who delivered a message on behalf of the family, said: “He did not discriminate against any family member, he respected everyone regardless of their age.”
She said Shooya hated lies. “His departure has left a big void in the family,” she said.
Selma’s message was read on her behalf by Nandjala-Taapopi.
She said her husband had a good heart and that she will miss him.
Speaking at the same event, chief Herman Iipumbu of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority said Shooya was a “good adviser and a good gift from God”.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba in a message read on his behalf by Ruacana constituency councillor Andreas Shintama said Shooya was known for his fairness and dedication among his community.
“We share the pain caused by the death of your dear husband, tatekulu Daniel Shooya.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” he said.
In a statement two weeks ago, founding president Sam Nujoma said Shooya’s death did not come as a shock, as he was blessed with longevity.
“We are, therefore, not mourning, but celebrating a life well spent in the service of his people for almost four decades, as well as the contribution he made to our country in general,” he said.
Shooya leaves behind his wife and 10 children.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
