Suzith Tjitaura
BETHANIE – The late liberation struggle veteran Ida Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros son Michael Jimmy has described his mother as a beacon of strength and courage, whose legacy resonates through generations.
Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros died on 3 April this year at the age of 79 after a long illness, and was laid to rest on Saturday at Farm Snipriver.
Speaking on behalf of the children during a memorial service in honour of the late Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros over the weekend, Jimmy said his mother’s unwavering commitment to freedom, justice and equality lit a flame in her children’s hearts, guiding them to stand tall in the face of adversity.
“We know that she embarked on this struggle journey with the aim of freedom, but more importantly to secure better lives for us, her children – something that we have not taken for granted. During her incarceration, we were labelled all sorts of names: children of terrorists, jailbird children, and some asked what we had gained from our mother going to prison.
“But as children, we were not moved by such names. She always wanted the best for us, and we are grateful for what she instilled in us,” he said.
He added: “We will miss her humility and her Ubuntu, where she opened her house to many other children whom we call our brothers and sisters. She took these children in after their families threw them out because of their involvement in the struggle.
“Her teachings of respecting elders and everyone, irrespective of their position in life or status in society, resonate with us. She had a caring heart, and cared for us equally.”
Epitome
Speaking on Saturday during the official burial, President Nangolo Mbumba said the late Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros epitomised courage, exemplified patriotism and heralded freedom, justice and equality.
“Hers was a life dedicated to the liberation struggle, where others wavered. She remained resolute, where others doubted. She kept the faith, where others abandoned hope. She persevered,” he said.
Mbumba said the late Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros was an imposing figure, deeply rooted in the struggle for political and economic emancipation, adding that despite being imprisoned and tortured, nothing could deter her from fighting for an independent Namibia.
“Our country is free today because of the profound personal sacrifices made by Comrade Ida Jimmy. Indeed, she was a leader and liberator of the Namibian people. Thus, to lose her is a great loss to all Namibians. She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be questioned and is very difficult to match,” said the President.
He said the life journey of Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit, and her revolutionary legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
“For that reason, it behoves me this morning to encourage all the children and family to continue cherishing, protecting and emulating this noble revolutionary heritage of your mother.
“Be of good courage, be strong, know that the government and the people of Namibia stand with you in solidarity at this darkest hour to share your loss and to comfort you,” he said.
Incarceration
Reflecting on their mother’s years in incarceration, the children said, “As siblings, we were deprived of our mother during our early years by the notorious AG 26 and the Terrorism Act. It deprived us of the opportunity during our infancy to receive love, guidance and attention, and that experience and its effects are still present. Mother, you will be forever in our hearts. We love you forever. We salute you”.
The late Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros was imprisoned several times.
Her first imprisonment was in 1979 at Gobabis Prison, where she was incarcerated with her one-year-old son, Natangwe Jimmy, for five months.
After her release, she was placed under house arrest for one year.
Again, between 1980 and 1985, Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros was imprisoned for speaking in public, saying, “Comrades, give the Swapo freedom fighters food and water; they are our sons, brothers and husbands”.
Mbumba said, “Farewell to our great freedom fighter from the south. Farewell to our iconic heroine of the liberation struggle. Farewell to a wonderful mother, sister and compatriot. Go well, daughter of the Namibian soil; rest softly”.
The burial was attended, among others, by First Lady Sustjie Mbumba; former First Lady Monica Geingos; Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila; Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa; governors; ministers; deputy ministers and members of the diplomatic corps.
Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros served, among other roles, as the Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency Councillor, Swapo Regional Coordinator for //Kharas between 1992 and 1998, as a member of the Swapo Politburo and Central Committee, as well as Swapo head of elections and district coordinator for Lüderitz.
The interview
In what would be her last interview with this publication as part of celebrating Namibia’s unsung heroes and heroines, New Era’s Steven Klukowski last year interviewed Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros, who – at the advanced age of 78 and bedridden as a result of wounds inflicted on her by the repugnant apartheid regime - had not given up her political activism.
At the time, Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros said her life changed forever after the Cassinga massacre in 1978 when the South African army descended on the refugee camp, killing innocent civilians and children.
She was arrested again during a rally in Gobabis, and imprisoned for five years over her political activities.
“It was here [Gobabis Prison in 1977] where my son Natangwe Jimmy started walking and talking for the first time in his life,” she emotionally recalled.
“During this period, the apartheid security forces wanted to serve me with the death penalty – but luckily, due to some health shortcomings, I escaped the gallows,” she said.
After serving her prison term, she resumed her political career, and was later elected as the chairperson of the Swapo Party Women’s Council in the southern coastal town.
Jimmy-!Ha-Eiros remained politically active, albeit bedridden, she told this publication.
She was a staunch campaigner of the ruling party, who gave guidance and advice on political issues when requested.
As the country honoured its heroes and heroines last year, the veteran activist called on all Namibians, irrespective of race or political affiliation, to stand together in developing the country for the benefit of future generations while enjoying freedom, peace and prosperity brought about by the sacrifices of her generation.
- Nampa