Maṱouje Ujee Nguaundjozondu Tjimbiri Tjiharuka: The Friend Who Opened the School Gate for the Himbacracy Philosopher

Everyone needs someone who inspires, guides or supports them on the journey towards becoming someone meaningful in life. For the Himbacracy Philosopher, that person was Maṱouje Ujee Tjimbiri Nguaundjozondu Tjiharuka, who is now a security officer.

Their remarkable journey began in 1999, when Ujee was a Grade 2 learner at Oukongo Primary School. His class teacher was Ms Kandambo. One day, after heavy rain had caused the river to flood, the young philosopher was escorting his younger sister and cousin across the flowing water when he met Ujee on his way to school.

During that period, many Ovahimba children were not sent to school at an early age because they were expected to remain at home and look after livestock. Both Ujee and the philosopher were among the children who had not started school at the appropriate age. However, in 1998, Ujee took the courageous initiative to enrol himself in school.

When the two boys met near the river, they exchanged greetings. Ujee encouraged the philosopher to accompany him to school. The philosopher hesitated because he did not have a school uniform. Ujee reassured him that Ms Kandambo would understand and would not prevent him from attending classes simply because he lacked a uniform.

Encouraged by Ujee’s words, the philosopher decided to go with him. Upon arriving at the school, they attended the morning assembly before entering Ms Kandambo’s classroom. Since it was his first experience in a formal classroom, the philosopher struggled to answer some of the teacher’s questions. Unfortunately, he was among the learners who were punished for failing to provide the correct answers. The youngest learner in the class at that time was the Queen of Tjiurunga, Kandipoli Charlotte Munongo.

During the break, the philosopher approached Ujee and asked whether the punishment would continue every day. Ujee comforted him, assuring him that it would not always be like that. He encouraged the philosopher not to give up, but to remain strong and continue attending school.

After they completed the first term, Ujee transferred to Otjerunda Primary School. Without the friend who had encouraged him to begin his educational journey, the philosopher gradually lost interest in attending Oukongo Primary School.

In 2000, the philosopher wished to transfer to I.K. Tjimuhiva Primary School, which later became known as I.K. Tjimuhiva Combined School. His parents initially opposed the idea. However, Mbinge, who was then a senior learner at the school and is now a police inspector, spoke to the philosopher’s father and convinced him to permit the transfer.

In the same year, the philosopher and Ujee were reunited at I.K. Tjimuhiva Combined School. Their reunion marked the beginning of another important chapter filled with many experiences that would shape their lives.

Matouje Ujee Nguaundjozondu Tjiharuka occupies a special place in the history of the Himbacracy Philosopher. He was not merely a childhood friend; he was the person who encouraged the philosopher to enter a classroom for the first time. His simple invitation, despite the absence of a school uniform, opened the door to the philosopher’s educational journey and helped lay the foundation for the scholar, educator and philosopher he would later become.

Sometimes, the person who changes our life does not arrive with wealth, authority or great promises. They simply walk beside us, encourage us to take the first step and assure us that we belong. For the Himbacracy Philosopher, Ujee was that person.

The story continues…