Land activist Khairabeb dies

Land activist Khairabeb dies Residents of Otjiwarongo are mourning the death of land activist Benjamin Khairabeb, who passed away suddenly last week at Coblenz settlement.

The 58-year-old Khairabeb was initially a member of the Swapo Party Elders Council in the Otjozondjupa Region.

He was in February 2015 suspended from the party indefinitely for allegedly participating in national marches demanding urban land servicing for all Namibians and also for equal land distribution in rural areas - organised by the Affirmative Repositioning movement.

However, Khairabeb in November 2018 resigned from Swapo and joined the Landless People's Movement shortly after its formation into a political party.

His cousin, Julius Binda on Monday told Nampa Khairabeb was not ill and he died suddenly while seated in a chair at Coblenz on 21 July.

A 35-year-old resident of Otjiwarongo, Denis Shikongo on Monday said Khairabeb was an icon to him because of his advocacy for equal rural land distribution and servicing of town land for everyone.

“We lost a brave man, a true land activist who did not fear to speak about urban land servicing at political and social gatherings,” said another resident, Esther Hoaes, 40.

Khairabeb's memorial service is expected to take place this week at Otjiwarongo, followed by his burial at the town on Saturday.

NAMPA