Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ambassador Legwaila Joseph Legwaila of the Republic of Botswana. On behalf of the Government and people of Namibia, she extended heartfelt condolences to His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko, the Government and people of Botswana, and the bereaved family.
Ambassador Legwaila was remembered as a towering diplomat, a devoted son of Africa, and a steadfast friend to Namibia. His significant role during Namibia’s independence journey, particularly as Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General under the United Nations Transition Assistance Group, was highlighted. Through his calm diplomacy, wisdom, and firm commitment to peace, he helped guide Namibia toward a peaceful, just, and credible independence.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Ambassador Legwaila’s contribution was more than duty; it represented brotherhood and African solidarity. He stood alongside Namibia not as an outsider, but as a dedicated African championing freedom and human dignity. His close ties with Namibia’s Founding Prime Minister, the late Dr. Hage G. Geingob, and Founding Minister of Foreign Affairs, the late Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, underscored the deep bonds of friendship that united the region’s liberation movements.
As Namibia shares in Botswana’s grief, the President affirmed that Ambassador Legwaila’s name will remain forever etched in the history of Namibia’s freedom and the enduring friendship between the two nations. She concluded with a solemn wish for his soul to rest in eternal peace and his legacy to inspire future generations to serve Africa with integrity, humility, and vision.
