The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Windhoek has the pleasure to announce that the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has bestowed upon the Former Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Professor Katjavivi the Order of Merit for his extraordinary contributions to the German-Namibian relations.

On 11th November 2026, H.E. Ambassador Thomas Wimmer presented the Grand Cross with Star and Sash of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Hon. Professor Katjavivi in the German Embassy Residence in Windhoek in the circle of his closest political and family friends.

Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi, born 12 May 1941, played a significant part in the liberation struggle. After fleeing into exile in 1960, he opened Swapo’s first Western European office in London in 1968 and managed it for over 10 years.

Hon. Prof. Peter Katjavivi held various academic and SWAPO positions abroad until his dream of Namibia’s Independence on 21^st of March 1990 became reality. Once back in Namibia, he continued in the academic field and as academic scholar and with leading roles at UNAM and NUST, Hon. Prof. Katjavivi had been instrumental in setting up exchanges with many German universities and German departments.

Later, Hon. Prof. Peter Katjavivi held the post of Namibian Ambassador to Germany from 2006-2008. Hon. Prof Katjavivi’s tenure in Berlin came to an ending in 2008 when he retuned to Namibia and was made the DG of the National Planning Commission.

During all his years of service, Hon. Professor Katjavivi had especially close links to Germany. Even before Independence, from exile in London, he nurtured close relations with German activists and politicians who were sympathetic to the Namibian Struggle.

In all his roles and capacities, Hon. Prof. Katjavivi managed the Namibian German bilateral relations - especially regarding the colonial past - with clear convictions and in a spirit of friendly partnership; always approaching even the problematic aspects by proposing negotiations and real reconciliation between the peoples on both sides – with a view to a peaceful and shared future together.

Background

Honouring individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the nation has traditionally been one of the Head of State’s duties. In the Federal Republic of Germany decorations in the framework of the Order of Merit are awarded by the Federal President as a way of paying tribute to outstanding individuals.

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