Allexer Namundjebo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the responsibility to advance the late Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua’s vision for Namibia’s cattle industry now rests with those he left behind.
Nandi-Ndaitwah recalled James’ position on the beef sector, especially his opposition to the export of cattle on the hoof.
“At a consultative meeting between the government, the governors and farmers, I recall his strong argument against the exportation of cattle on the hoof; he went further to suggest that the practice should be brought to an end incrementally. Now that he is no more, that is the responsibility he left to all of us to carry out to its logical conclusion,” she said at a memorial service on Wednesday.
Parliament held the memorial service at the Parliament Gardens to honour James and his son Venturo Uerikua.
They died in a car crash during the Easter weekend.
She said Uerikua believed in the strength of the country’s beef industry and worked to support its growth.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said his death alongside his son shocked the nation.
She said James worked to support marginalised communities, including the San people.
“He stood firm on his convictions, fearlessly and unapologetically, always ready to advance his point with clarity and confidence,” she said.
“Let us honour his enduring legacy not only in word but also in action by continuing the work he so passionately advanced,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah narrated that his [James’] life journey was a testament to dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for the development of our country.
“Those of us who had the privilege of engaging with Honourable Uerikua will remember him not only as a dedicated public servant but as a charismatic young man and a passionate debater. Even in the heat of debate, he carried a deep appreciation for the spirit of democracy. He understood that disagreement was not division,” she said.
Members of the National Assembly also paid tribute to James.
National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu remembered James as a leader with a strong understanding of political dynamics.
“The first time we spoke, when I was a councillor, he asked me the day I would rejoin Swapo. I was very angry that a young man would ask me if I would ever go back,” Kandorozu said.
Affirmative Repositioning movement member of parliament Job Amupanda spoke about Uerikua’s role as a young politician.
“I want to speak about James, the young politician. There are always those who will remember him as a governor or as a member of parliament, but there is a particular orientation that we know,” Amupanda said.
“He was part of the 2007-2012 generation that found it difficult to fix individual leaders because the revolutionary spirit had spread across the young people, which began to question and ask fundamental questions, and James belonged to that nation,” he said.
South West Africa National Union (Swanu) leader and MP Evilastus Kaaronda said Uerikua had a strong connection to his community.
“We can now reflect and see how we can assist our communities so they do not feel the void. I am told there were farms acquired for them. We could have done better before, and for Uerikua’s sake, let us resolve this issue,” he said.
“We must not have a situation where hospitals have VIP units. Let us do away with these inequalities,” he added.
National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Martin Lukato described Uerikua as respectful.
‘He always called me “Father”, and I called him “my son”.’
He was full of respect,” Lukato said.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said Uerikua helped drive development in the Otjozondjupa region and worked to unite traditional authorities.
“He demonstrated that he is a charismatic leader in the National Assembly. He contributed highly in the National Assembly through participating in the debates of parliament,” Shaningwa said.
“Our country has been robbed of a visionary and a patriotic leader. He was the person I could have given an automatic rifle,” she said.
Uerikua was a member of the Swapo and served in the National Assembly from 2025. He was also governor of the Otjozondjupa region from 2020 to 2025.
