12/09/2026
Delivering a message at the State Memorial Service of the late Comrade Helao Joseph Sh*tyuwete, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on his life, sacrifice and contribution to Namibia’s liberation struggle.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that, like many young people of his generation, Comrade Sh*tyuwete rejected Namibia’s colonial occupation by apartheid South Africa.
She said the contract labour system took him to Walvis Bay, where he became involved in political activities under the Ovamboland People’s Organization (OPO), which later became SWAPO.
She highlighted his role in travelling between northern Namibia and places such as Windhoek, carrying messages and maintaining the movement’s connections when senior SWAPO leaders were restricted from travelling.
The President noted that Comrade Sh*tyuwete later went into exile, joined SWAPO members and received military training before returning to confront colonial rule.
She said he was subsequently captured, prosecuted under the apartheid Terrorism Act and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after a two-year trial conducted while he was in detention and ultimately served 16 years on Robben Island.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that Robben Island, intended to isolate freedom fighters, became a meeting place for Namibian and South African liberation activists, including Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, Eliaser Tuhadeleni, John ya Otto Nankudhu, Gerson Veii, Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.
She stressed that imprisonment, hard labour, deprivation and separation from home did not break Comrade Sh*tyuwete’s spirit. She said that, together with fellow prisoners, he followed developments at home, discussed politics and maintained his belief in eventual freedom.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that, upon his release, Comrade Sh*tyuwete returned to Namibia in 1989, as the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 435 paved the way for independence.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that he participated in the political mobilisation that led to the country’s first democratic elections and independence in 1990.
After independence, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said, Comrade Sh*tyuwete helped establish the Ministry of Labour and served as Deputy Director of Human Resources until his retirement in 1996.
She highlighted his contribution to the work that culminated in the Labour Act of 1992, linking it to his personal experience of the injustices of the colonial labour system. She added that he later served as National Coordinator of the Namibian Former Robben Island Political Prisoners Trust, helping preserve the history and fellowship of those imprisoned for Namibia’s freedom.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also described Comrade Sh*tyuwete as a devoted husband to Madam Jane, a loving father and grandfather, and a man deeply committed to his family.
She noted his belief that political differences should never turn Namibians into enemies and that the history of the liberation struggle must be protected and faithfully passed on to future generations.
She said Namibia’s greatest tribute to Comrade Sh*tyuwete would be to uphold the ideals for which he fought.
She urged Namibians to draw on his courage, discipline, tolerance and nationalism as they continue building a united, just and prosperous country.
The President thanked Madam Jane Sh*tyuwete, the children, grandchildren and the entire family for sharing him with the nation.
She expressed hope that they would find comfort in the fullness of his life and in knowing that his name, sacrifice and service remain permanently inscribed in Namibia’s history.
