Pretoria - Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo will represent South Africa at the funeral of the Namibian freedom fighter Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, the Presidency said on Tuesday.
Ya Toivo, who died last Friday at the age of 92, will be laid to rest on Saturday at the Heroes' Acre in Windhoek.
The highly respected Namibian liberation icon and freedom fighter has been described as a strong-willed and determined individual who was conscientious and ethical.
President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday again expressed his sadness on the passing of Ya Toivo.
“On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I solemnly reiterate our sincere condolences to Namibian President, His Excellency Hage Geingob, the Toivo ya Toivo family, the government and the people of Namibia, as well as the South West African Peoples’ Organisation (SWAPO).
“May the soul of this giant leader and icon of the struggles of both South Africa and Namibia rest in eternal peace,” said President Zuma.
The veteran who was also a former Robben Island prisoner and recipient of the 2009 Order of the Companions of OR Tambo co-founded the Namibian liberation party, SWAPO.
President Zuma said South Africa will remember him for his fearless and selfless leadership that he demonstrated during the struggle against the apartheid regime. This selflessness led to his arrest and the arrest of another 35 Namibians in September 1966 by South African security forces. - SAnews.gov.za
