The Ondangwa Airport was on Thursday 22 August renamed to the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport in honor of one of Namibia’s gallant hero who died in 2017 and was officiated by Vice President Dr Nangolo Mbumba and attended by family, friends and comrades.

Officiating at the event, Vice President Mbumba said, through the selfless and unwavering commitment of late Comrade ya Toivo and other heroes, the colonial settlers met their decisive match, which culminated in their defeat. Henceforth, it is befitting and appropriate to rename this strategic national asset in honour of an illustrious man from Omangundu Village in Onyena Constituency of Oshikoto Region, namely Andimba Toivo ya Toivo.

“Through the selfless and unwavering commitment of late Comrade ya Toivo and other heroes, the colonial settlers met their decisive match, which culminated   in their defeat. Henceforth, it is befitting and appropriate to rename this strategic national asset in honour of an illustrious man from Omangundu Village in Onyena Constituency of Oshikoto Region, namely Andimba Toivo ya Toivo.”

Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation Sam Nujoma described the late Ya Toivo as an inspiring human being whose ethos should always be in our hearts.

“I am therefore glad that this befitting inaugural ceremony of the Herman Toivo Ya Toivo Airport, his contribution to the achievement of Namibia’s independence will forever remain engraved in our memories and will be remembered by present and future generations  of Namibians”, Nujoma said.

NAC Board of Directors Chairman Dr Leake Hangala stated that they were on course to make the airport safe and secure: “Despite the ongoing court case between NCA and China State Engineering Construction, the status of the apron and taxiway remains our major concern and it is our utmost desire that once legal processes are appropriately addressed, remedial works on this infrastructure can get started to address the safety measures as a matter of priority.”

Dr Hangala also underlined the importance of airports in the modern world.

“Air travel connects people, nations and markets, locally, nationally, and internationally. It is quick, safe and provides opportunities for cultural and social exchanges amongst people. It also responds to emergency humanitarian interventions and public health emergencies”.