Festus Hamalwa
Andreas Thomas
EENHANA – Liberation struggle icon and Swapo co-founder Kanana Hishono was buried at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine on Saturday. There, scores of mourners gathered to pay their respects. Addressing the gathering, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Hishoono’s legacy should serve as a powerful motivation for all Namibians.
She remembered Hishoono for his firm courage in the face of oppression, selfless dedication to his people and profound belief in a free and equitable Namibia. “Let us celebrate his extraordinary life and recommit ourselves to upholding the ideals for which he fought so bravely,” she added.
Hishoono (89) died on 14 January 2026. He served as a political advisor to Founding President Sam Nujoma and former president Hifikepunye Pohamba. Hishoono was also the headman of his village, Onambutu, in the Ohangwena region. The Nandi-Ndaitwah recounted that, in numerous historical accounts of Namibia’s liberation struggle, Hishoono formed the backbone of the resistance, working tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines to dismantle the structures of injustice.
“His dedication to the cause was absolute, embodying the spirit of those who believed in a free Namibia even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Hishoono’s wisdom and experience were invaluable in shaping policies and programmes, specifically the Swapo ideology,” she said.
The Head of State added that “Hishoono recognised that achieving true freedom required sacrifice and unwavering commitment. His involvement in the liberation struggle was not a choice born of convenience but a profound conviction that the dignity and sovereignty of his people were non-negotiable”.
“Our Nation lost not only a son of the soil, not only a gallant veteran, but a living chapter of our history. We lost a man whose life was woven into the long and painful journey of Namibia’s march to freedom. We gather here today under the heavy, yet sacred silence, that follows the passing of a giant,” the President said in the statement.
Generational mission
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Hishoono belonged to a generation that took up the struggle at a time when freedom was uncertain and costly.
“He belonged to a generation that made peace with the possibility that they might fight for a Namibia they would never live to see,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President traced Hishoono’s political awakening to his time as a migrant labourer in South Africa in the 1950s, where he was influenced by the late Andimba Toivo ya Toivo.
Together, with the late Founding President Sam Nujoma and other liberation stalwarts, Hishoono became part of the core group that established the Ovamboland People’s Organisation, laying the foundation for the national liberation movement.
“These were men who did not simply form an organisation. They formed a vision,” the President said.
She noting that Hishoono was both a prolific mobiliser and a strong advocate for education as a tool of empowerment.
Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa said Hishoono made and wrote history, and his story is known by everybody.
“We vow to honour his legacy, to protect the party, to unify the Namibian people and to remain vigilant. As Namibians, we are mourning and celebrating the life of an icon of our national liberation struggle, a life lived with multiple purposes,” she said.
Also taking to the podium was Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker and official opposition leader Imms Nashinge.
He said Hishoono was a committed patriot and a fearless servant of the Namibian people.
“His life was one of sacrifices, courage and unwavering devotion to the ideals of freedom, solidarity and justice,” he added.
Furthermore, Hishoono’s children described their father as a peaceful man, who taught them honesty.
Love eternal
His widow, Ndeshipewa Elina Hishoono reflected on a love story rooted in friendship, respect and mutual understanding.
She recalled first knowing Hishoono as a close friend of her late brother.
She said his frequent presence in their home made him feel like family long before romance blossomed.
“He has always been in our house, and he was actually my brother’s best friend,” she said in a statement read on her behalf.
Ndeshipewa said her late husband surprised her one day when he asked to speak to her privately, a conversation that soon turned into a marriage proposal.
“It was a surprise, and I have been reflecting on that moment ever since. I did not know how to respond at first,” she told mourners, adding that she later accepted the proposal.
The couple tied the knot on 26 September 1971 in Eenhana.
Describing her husband’s character, Ndeshipewa said he was a man who avoided conflict and chose dialogue over anger.
“His ability to communicate effectively without resorting to conflict is a testament to his character,” she said.
She added that Hishoono guided his family “with patience and understanding rather than raising his voice”.
– fhamalwa@nepc.com.na
– Nampa
