President Nangolo Mbumba said the late Reverend Asser Kazumba Lihongo lived an admirable life defined by
hard-work, sacrifice and dedication.
Lihongo, a veteran of the liberation struggle was buried at the Mupini Cemetery in the Kavango West Region on Saturday, after he died on 10 June at the Rundu State Hospital at the age of 92.
Mbumba conferred him with an Official Funeral.
In his statement read on his behalf by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Peya Mushelenga, Mbumba said Lihongo significantly contributed to the progress of the religious fraternity and the Namibian Liberation Struggle.
‘Reverend Lihongo’s contribution extended far beyond the church walls. He served as a PLAN fighter, providing vital intelligence and support to SWAPO. He was arrested countless times alongside other veterans like Amos Kanime, Jaakko Kangayi, Herson Nghilindilwa, and many others,’ Mbumba said.
Lihongo, a theologian, studied bible translation in England and South Africa was responsible for tra
nslating the bible into Rukwangali.
He also worked as a teacher and served as a parish pastor. In 1965, he was ordained as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) pastor.
He is survived by a daughter.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency