ONDOBE – Veteran liberation struggle heroine Albertina Tuvahanga Heita was buried on Saturday at Ondobe Cemetery in the Ohangwena region.
She died on 18 March at Onandjokwe Hospital. She was 70.
Various politicians, church leaders, veterans, and community members gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects.
Speaker after speaker described Heita as a true heroine who fought for the independence of the country.
In 1974, at the age of 19, after completing Grade 10 at Oshigambo Secondary School, Heita skipped into Zambia with her peers, driven by the desire to find ways to help liberate Namibia.
She later underwent diplomatic training and worked as a UN English tutor in Lusaka, where she taught adult Namibian refugees. Upon her return to Namibia in 1989, she secured a job at the ministry of foreign affairs and later at the ministry of labour. She then joined the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), where she served as a manager of vocational training centre transformation until her retirement in 2015.
Speaking at the funeral, Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa said Heita’s life was one of courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the freedom and development of Namibia.
“Her contribution to the liberation struggle laid the foundation for the peace and independence we enjoy today. Beyond independence, her work in public service, particularly her role in advancing vocational training and skills development, played a critical part in empowering Namibians with practical knowledge and opportunities for self-reliance,” she said.
Heita, Hamutumwa said, was instrumental in shaping pathways for young people to access training, build careers, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
In a speech read on his behalf, Namibia’s ambassador to Nigeria Walde Ndevashiya said Heita was among the pioneers and champions of vocational education and training in Namibia. Her contribution to the establishment, strengthening, and transformation of the TVET sector remains indelible.
“She often shared with me her personal journey into exile, having joined the liberation struggle at the tender age of 19. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the freedom of our country speak volumes about her character. She contributed immensely not only to the liberation of Namibia but also to nation-building efforts after independence, particularly in advancing skills development and empowering the youth,” he said.
Meanwhile, erstwhile Namibian Defence Force chief Martin Shalli described Heita as hard-working and respectful.
“Heita was an inspirational person. She set a good example that young people should remember,” he said.
She is survived by her son, Tuhafeni, who described his mother as a loving, caring, and amazing parent.
“Thank you for inspiring me, Mom. Thank you for everything. Until we meet again,” he said.
Likewise, neighbours described Heita as a peaceful, kind woman who valued unity.