Struggle veteran Isak Shoome laid to rest

Hundreds of mourners from across the country gathered at the Omugulugwoombashe national shrine in the Omusati Region on Saturday to bid farewell to a fearless and gallant veteran of the liberation struggle, Isak Ashinkono Shoome. He was 101. The late Shoome, who was also known as 'Nangata', died on 12 December at his homestead at Okuvale village in Tsandi Constituency. Shoome is remembered as one of Namibia's decorated liberation struggle icons who played a crucial role to ensure the country attained its independence and also had the opportunity to live in a free and independent country. Shoome's contributions towards the attainment of Namibia's independence are said to have started in 1957. He also played an instrumental role in the formation of the Ovambo People's Congress which became the Ovambo People's Party in 1958 which eventually became the Swapo Party in 1960. He was also among the Swapo soldiers who shot the first bullets on 26 August 1966 that marked the beginning of the liberation struggle at Omuguluwoombashe. On 9 September 1969 Shoome was captured by the then colonisers at Omadhiya gaana ya Tshoombein in Onesi Constituency where he was later transferred to Pretoria in South Africa. After serving his term for more than two years he was returned to Namibia in 1972. Despite being arrest by his oppressors, Shoome never wavered and persisted with his support towards the liberation struggle of the country which saw him arrested yet again in 1978 and was detained. Shoome was released after several months and he continued with his support towards the liberation struggle. In 1987 Shoome was again arrested and was detained at the Osire Detention Camp for a period of six months. Among the key dignitaries at the funeral were founding president, Sam Nujoma, former president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, acting president, Nickey Iyambo, ministers and deputy ministers, regional governors, politicians, traditional authority leaders and spiritual leaders. According to Iyambo, Shoome illustrated the essence of true bravery, dedication and commitment towards liberating our country. “Namibia has lost a brave and gallant son of the soil who selflessly dedicated and committed himself to the course of liberating our motherland from the claws of colonialism and the apartheid South African regime,” Iyambo said. “Although gone, we will never forget the gallantry contributions he made. His memory will forever live within the minds of all peace loving Namibians,” Iyambo further said. Nujoma described Shoome as a fearless Swapo freedom fighter who sacrificed 57 years of his life to long and bitter liberation struggle of Namibia. He also said that Shoome throughout his life remained true to his principles as a loyal and disciplined member of the Swapo party. “Namibia has lost a fearless freedom fighter who committed his entire life to the just cause of our freedom and who stood firm and never wavered until the dawn of our freedom and genuine independence on 21 March 1990,” Nujoma said. “For this reason he will forever be remembered as a fearless and gallant veteran of Namibia's liberation struggle by the current and future generations of Namibia,” Nujoma said.KENYA KAMBOWE

Struggle veteran Isak Shoome laid to rest

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-07

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Struggle veteran Isak Shoome laid to rest

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-07

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