An overview of Linda RM Baumann #Radio99fm

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My memory of Meeting Tatekulu Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo

I must say I have been fortunate all my life to have been surrounded by great leaders in my community... A community that has exposed me to so much political, social and economic diversity in growth and development.

My name is Linda Magano Baumann, a young girl who grew up in the dusty streets of owambo location... A neighbourhood that firmly had us all as one because our parents worked as a collective and believed in community disciplining yet a lot of great memories have remained as values in our lives.

Upon receiving the notice of Tatekulu- there was this collective of many of us wandering the street to confirm... And upon reflection on the silence and further no movement from our neighbour's home - Meme Ester Shikongo -- who is sister to Tatekulu... the news came through that he is indeed gone. this had us all walk back to our spaces and there it was, silence...

As I grew up partly in their home, I also had an experience of having been told stories by Kuku mother to Tatekulu Ya Toivo. In those moments Meme Ester would contextualize the story as Kuku was very old and if my memory serves me well she was in her early 90s.

In 1990 and until this day I remember Tatekulu Ya Toivo used to visit Meme Ester with his convoy of vehicles parked outside- with so much security all over, however over the years the number of cars and security reduced until he would only come with one car.

As we used to play in the street and his car (s) drove down the road we all stood still watching the protocol of his door being opened – as he would emerge from the car he would look up the road left and then right again as the house is right in the centre of the street. He would look at us and in that very moment our voices would simultaneously say "Uugrapo Tatekulu" and he would smile and say “ja ja - play play every day.  You must read your books so that you can stop playing in the sand and have good roads” then we all would go “yes Sir!” he would laugh and say "Look at you all young, beautiful mara I know I can run the fastest- don't be fooled by my grey hair" we would all laugh as he continued into the house for his visit...

I also have memories of him visiting my mother - and as he walked in he would say - "Hello- hello, waar is Baumann?" My mom would respond from the other end saying "Hey Toivo- wat soek jy in my huis? - he would respond "Baumann jy sal niks se nie- dis my huis ook" and then they both would laugh and go into their own world of bonding...

Over the years I heard his life story from many Stalwarts, family members and the country at large... I have experienced Tatekulu at a personal level and at an intellectual level as he mastered his tales of engagement.

His departure has torn so much within me as his personality, his energy and charismatic firm position in all his actions have shaped, crafted and structured so much in my life. Today I know that the wife, children, family, friends and the nation at large shed a tear and feel the pain because he is no more with us however what remains significant is his role in many of our lives and his memory that is filled with a legacy that only a Great Legend has lived and shared.  

I can only celebrate his life within this moment of sadness as this hollow feeling shall be filled with all those lessons which are a reminder that we are all bigger and better in everything we do.

May your SOUL rest in eternity and POWER...

By: Linda RM Baumann

12 June 2017

17h49