Nandi-Ndaitwah hails Hishoono as liberation icon
Swapo, IPC eulogise veteran leader
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday described late liberation struggle veteran and Swapo Party founding member Kanana Hishoono as a pillar of Namibia’s freedom whose lifelong service helped shape the nation’s political foundations.
Addressing mourners at Hishoono’s funeral service at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena Region, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the late veteran devoted his life to the liberation struggle and to serving the Namibian people before and after independence.
Hishoono, who died on 14 January 2026, was laid to rest among fellow liberation struggle veterans at the shrine. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the memorial site stands as a symbol of the sacrifices made by Namibians who fought colonial oppression and secured the country’s independence.
She said Hishoono served with distinction as an advisor to late president Sam Nujoma and to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, while also leading his community as headman of Onambutu village until his death.
She said the Hishoono firmly believed that true freedom required sacrifice and unwavering commitment, noting that his participation in the liberation struggle was driven by conviction rather than convenience.
“He was among those who understood that nothing less than the total liberation of Namibia would guarantee the dignity and sovereignty of its people,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further highlighted Hishoono’s contribution to the ideological development of the Swapo Party, saying he played a key role in educating cadres as a lecturer at the party school, where he taught the party’s constitution, principles and political programme.
She said his wisdom and experience were instrumental in shaping policies and programmes, and that his legacy continues to guide both the party and the nation.
Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said the party was deeply saddened by the passing of “one of our most revered veterans of the national liberation struggle”.
“As a founding member of Swapo in April 1960, Hishoono embodied the spirit of resistance and self-determination,” Shaningwa said. “He knew and understood the historic mission placed on his shoulders and carried it without looking back.”
She traced Hishoono’s role from the early days of Swapo, noting that he tirelessly mobilised communities, advised would-be exiles and liaised with the first Swapo combatants who entered Namibia in 1965. Following the South African attack on the Omugulu-gwOmbashe camp in August 1966, Hishoono was arrested, tortured in Oshakati and later held in solitary confinement in Pretoria. He was tried alongside late struggle stalwart Andimba Toivo ya Toivo in 1968 but acquitted.
President of the official opposition, Dr Panduleni Itula, in a speech read on his behalf by party parliamentary leader Imms Nashinge has called on Namibians to honour the country’s liberation heroes by deepening unity and intensifying the struggle for economic emancipation, justice and solidarity.
Reflecting on the foundations of the liberation struggle, Itula said it was built on three pillars - freedom, solidarity and justice - and challenged Namibians to reflect on how the country has used the freedom attained.
Several senior leaders attended the funeral, including vice president Lucia Witbooi, former presidents Nangolo Mbumba and Hifikepunye Pohamba, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, cabinet ministers, traditional leaders, liberation struggle veterans and members of the diplomatic corps.
He is survived by his wife, Elina Ndeshipewa Hishoono, and eight children.
Addressing mourners at Hishoono’s funeral service at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena Region, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the late veteran devoted his life to the liberation struggle and to serving the Namibian people before and after independence.
Hishoono, who died on 14 January 2026, was laid to rest among fellow liberation struggle veterans at the shrine. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the memorial site stands as a symbol of the sacrifices made by Namibians who fought colonial oppression and secured the country’s independence.
She said Hishoono served with distinction as an advisor to late president Sam Nujoma and to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, while also leading his community as headman of Onambutu village until his death.
She said the Hishoono firmly believed that true freedom required sacrifice and unwavering commitment, noting that his participation in the liberation struggle was driven by conviction rather than convenience.
“He was among those who understood that nothing less than the total liberation of Namibia would guarantee the dignity and sovereignty of its people,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further highlighted Hishoono’s contribution to the ideological development of the Swapo Party, saying he played a key role in educating cadres as a lecturer at the party school, where he taught the party’s constitution, principles and political programme.
She said his wisdom and experience were instrumental in shaping policies and programmes, and that his legacy continues to guide both the party and the nation.
Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said the party was deeply saddened by the passing of “one of our most revered veterans of the national liberation struggle”.
“As a founding member of Swapo in April 1960, Hishoono embodied the spirit of resistance and self-determination,” Shaningwa said. “He knew and understood the historic mission placed on his shoulders and carried it without looking back.”
She traced Hishoono’s role from the early days of Swapo, noting that he tirelessly mobilised communities, advised would-be exiles and liaised with the first Swapo combatants who entered Namibia in 1965. Following the South African attack on the Omugulu-gwOmbashe camp in August 1966, Hishoono was arrested, tortured in Oshakati and later held in solitary confinement in Pretoria. He was tried alongside late struggle stalwart Andimba Toivo ya Toivo in 1968 but acquitted.
President of the official opposition, Dr Panduleni Itula, in a speech read on his behalf by party parliamentary leader Imms Nashinge has called on Namibians to honour the country’s liberation heroes by deepening unity and intensifying the struggle for economic emancipation, justice and solidarity.
Reflecting on the foundations of the liberation struggle, Itula said it was built on three pillars - freedom, solidarity and justice - and challenged Namibians to reflect on how the country has used the freedom attained.
Several senior leaders attended the funeral, including vice president Lucia Witbooi, former presidents Nangolo Mbumba and Hifikepunye Pohamba, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, cabinet ministers, traditional leaders, liberation struggle veterans and members of the diplomatic corps.
He is survived by his wife, Elina Ndeshipewa Hishoono, and eight children.
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