Stefanus Nashama
Ally Angula, the Independent Candidate and Presidential Hopeful for the November 2024 elections has spoken fondly of the late Obed Tulinane Emvula, describing him as a dignified man who devoted his entire life to the cause of freedom and played a significant role in shaping the future of Namibia.
“What a gentleman! We salute you, dear departed great man who only feared the Lord. You have influenced so many of us,” Angula said.
Her sentiments echo those of various prominent figures in the country, including Founding President Sam Nujoma, Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, and President Hage Geingob, all of whom have acknowledged the pivotal role played by the late Emvula both before and after Namibia’s independence.
Emvula passed away on 1 January this year and was accorded an official state funeral by President Geingob.
Reflecting on the late Emvula, Angula pledged to carry forward his legacy of unwavering commitment to the economic emancipation of the Namibian people.
“He has imparted valuable lessons to us, and we will continue his legacy of unwavering dedication to the economic empowerment of the Namibian people through entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on manufacturing and agriculture,” she said.
Angula also expressed admiration for Emvula’s ingenuity and dedication.
“What a remarkable life you have lived! I am truly blessed to have had you as an uncle who inspired us with your wise counsel, creativity, and diligent work ethic. Your passing has reminded our family of our roots and our duty to society,” she extolled.
She remembered Emvula as a man of integrity who always stood by his principles, emphasizing that he never betrayed the Namibian nation. His departure has deeply affected many lives in the country.
Angula noted that even in his 80s, the late Emvula continued to advocate for Namibia’s vision through vocational training.
Emvula’s history, as recounted by various speakers at his memorial service over the weekend, revealed his long-standing dedication to the cause of Namibian independence.
He joined Swapo in 1962, attended Secondary School at Oshigambo in 1965, and matriculated in 1969. He pursued theological studies at Maphumulo Theological Seminary in South Africa from 1970 to 1971.
Upon returning to Namibia, Emvula remained politically active, organizing political rallies from 1971 to 1974, including one in 1971 celebrating the International Court of Justice’s declaration of the South African administration in Namibia as illegal.
In 1972, he participated in welcoming the UN Secretary-General, Kurt Waldheim, and presented a petition highlighting the political situation in Namibia.
Emvula was a member of the Swapo Regional Executive Committee from 1971 to 1974. In 1974, he joined the group of Swapo leaders in exile in Zambia to support the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and later served as Deputy Chief Swapo Representative in New York.
In subsequent years, he held various roles in Swapo, including Chief Representative in Algeria, and received military training in Angola.
Emvula served as Chief Swapo Representative to Germany and as a Political Mobilization Officer in Luanda before returning to Namibia in 1989.
Emvula’s contributions extended beyond his political involvement, as he also served as Deputy Director General at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation from 1990 to 1994 and was appointed to the Public Service Commission in 1997.
