The war veteran who made his daughter’s ballet costumes
Helao Shityuwete, a Namibian war veteran and anti-apartheid activist, is remembered by his children for his dedication to human rights and his gentle nature at home. Shityuwete, who spent time as a political prisoner on Robben Island, was a key figure in Namibia's liberation and labor advocacy.
Why it matters
The story provides a personal look at the legacy of a significant historical figure in Namibia's struggle for independence.
Helao Shityuwete is remembered by his children as a man who sewed his daughter’s ballet costumes, fed them sugarcane, and taught them human rights.
He was a war veteran to the public, but a “gentle and present” father to Tulimelila (39) and Frederick Shityuwete (35).
‘Tuli-bel’ says her father’s greatest legacy goes beyond the role he played in Namibia’s liberation struggle.
It is also the values he modelled at home – dignity, equality, kindness and the courage to speak out about unfair treatment. “He handed me the torch.
My work in human rights is to follow in his footsteps in my own way,” Tulimelila says.
The former Robben Island political prisoner, anti-apartheid activist and labour advocate died on 29 August a few days after he turned 92.
Tulimelila says he was a gentle father who cooked, played, taught his children about birds and plants, and how to make oshikundu.
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