The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Mr Amos Masondo, extend Parliament's heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Namibia, Prof Peter Katjavivi, on the passing of his wife, Mrs Rosemary Jane Katjavivi.
 
Mrs Katjavivi - a writer, editor and publisher with an academic background in African Studies – passed away in the company of her husband of 41 years, following their visit to the United Kingdom -  where the Namibian Speaker also paid a courtesy call on his Westminster counterpart.
 
The Presiding Officers wish to express their deep sympathies to Prof Katjavivi, his family and the people of Namibia on this sad loss. Her passing is a loss also to the legislative sector in the entire SADC region.  
 
As a liberation struggle activist, Mrs Jane Katjavivi served with steadfastness and devotion at the headquarters of SWAPO, galvanising much-needed support for freedom fighters in advancing Namibian people's fight for freedom and independence. For decades, she stood by her husband as a loving wife, a dear friend and comrade, and has served as an irreplaceable pillar of strength to the Katjavivi family.  
 
Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula this evening telephoned Prof Katjavivi to convey the message of condolences on behalf of the Parliament of South Africa.  
 
The Speaker will, on behalf of the Africa Group on the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Task Force on Russia-Ukraine conflict, also inform the  Task Force, through its President Ali Alnuaimi, of the passing. Prof Katjavivi, together with Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula, are part of the Task Force along several Speakers from other IPU-member countries.  

Issued by the Parliament of South Africa