Thread: Farewell to a true Namibian

Written by Henning Melber, executive Director of the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation

HANS-Erik Staby taught me a lesson for life. Through him I learnt, that “South Westers” are as able to become truly patriotic Namibians as those who claim exclusivity and entitlement over this category.

He convinced me that the love of real compatriots for their home country is much deeper than the identification with a political order or its changes. He lived a loyalty with the people as the future. He taught me that living the values is the true litmus test for a democrat.

As a politician, he ended his career when he realised that those in politics (including those in his own party) promoted their narrow own interest in the first place. But he remained a civil society activist for the rest of his life and devoted much time and energy to matters in the public interest.

For him it was the duty of responsible citizens to be involved in issues of common concern and not to withdraw into careless privacy.

As an architect, whose profession was almost as meaningful to him as his family and Namibia, he continued to add value to the country and refused to compromise for short-term gains.

As late as this year he refused to award a sub-tender as part of a public works project to the cheapest (Chinese) bidder. He dismissed the order to do so since this would have meant that no Namibians would have been employed.

He rather preferred to have the tender withdrawn than to compromise and give in for his own material gains. Fundamental humanist values, democracy and human rights were close to his heart. So was for him, who was a devoted sportsman all his life, the notion of fairness, dignity and respect – for oneself as much as for others. He was a man of honesty and integrity.

If anyone was able to reconcile in the true meaning of the spirit and word, then it was Hans-Erik. His death is a loss to Namibia. We all have lost a true Namibian.