Namibia: ‘Professor Rice’s’ Legacy Will Live On

Alvine Kapitako

27 July 2011

Windhoek — Professor Luke Kanyomeka would be remembered for his relevant scientific research work, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia (Unam), Professor Osmund Mwandemele told a memorial service on Monday.

“He was involved in research that solves real problems of society and that answers questions of subsistence farmers,” said Mwandemele.

The acting vice chancellor said Africa and Unam in particular had been robbed of one of the greatest academics the institution has ever had.

Mourners gathered at the Unam Gym Hall on Monday evening to bid farewell to the academic scientist who will be laid to rest in Zambia.

Professor Kanyomeka, who was affectionately known as “Professor Rice” died last Friday at Windhoek Central Hospital.

The memorial service was attended by members of the Unam academia, including those from the Ogongo Campus, John Mutorwa the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Dr Albert Kawana the Minister for Presidential Affairs, the Zambian High Commissioner to Namibia, General Isaac Chisuzi and representatives from Japan, among others.

Speakers who took to the podium expressed their deepest sorrows for the loss. They described Kanyomeka as diligent, committed, kind and a dedicated man.

“One great thing about him is that he always tried to help everyone to realise their full potential,” said Simon Awala, a lecturer of Crop Science at Ogongo campus. He had unwavering commitment for research work, he added.

“We feel betrayed by the sudden departure of our father. We lost an African scientist whose mission was incomplete,” said Johannes Amutenja, SRC representative at Ogongo campus. The late Kanyomeka’s son, Brian Kanyomeka, said his father’s life was really inspirational.

“He taught me to be humble and that no matter the situation, you can always overcome,” he said. He added that his father told him that in their tradition, children should be better than their fathers.

Mutorwa read messages of condolences from President Hifikepunye Pohamba. Founding president, Dr Sam Nujoma’s speech was also read. In April 2010 Pohamba presented Kanyomeka the Meritorious Award for Best Academic performance as the Scientist of the Year-2010 for the second consecutive year.

The award was in recognition of the outstanding work he did to improve agriculture in Namibia. The late Kanyomeka held a PhD in Weed Management from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Among projects that he initiated in the country is the innovative project on rice production in Namibia. Despite the high water requirement for growing rice, Kanyomeka discovered a niche for this crop.

He had, since 2002, been conducting research in the seasonal wetlands of Namibia.

The research produced excellent results that made it possible for rice farming in Namibia. Kanyomeka was the brains behind the Kalimbeza Rice Project in the Caprivi region that could make Namibia self-reliant in rice production.

He will be buried today.

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