OHAKWEENYANGA – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has joined other voices in paying tribute to former Namibian Defence Force chief, Solomon ‘Jesus’ Hawala, who died on Monday.
She described Hawala as, “a dedicated freedom fighter who served in several positions of command, including second assistant commander to the army commander and deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan), and made enormous sacrifices for the liberation of his motherland.”
“Comrade Hawala also served in the central committee and politburo of the Swapo Party as well as the Swapo Representative in Zambia. As we memorialise the life of this iconic figure of the Namibian revolution, we celebrate a life spent in pursuit of freedom, peace, unity and prosperity for all Namibian people and beyond. “Comrade Hawala’s commitment to the liberation struggle for independence for his motherland, Namibia, places him alongside icons and heroes who waged war and contributed to the independence of Namibia. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of our history, serving as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Meanwhile, ex-police supremo and former Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga also paid tribute to the now departed Hawala.
Ndeitunga described Hawala as a “forgotten hero” whose sacrifices were pivotal to Namibia’s liberation.
Hawala died on Monday, aged 89.
Speaking to New Era on Tuesday, Ndeitunga said, “He was one of the few people we followed during the liberation struggle, as he was the eyes and ears of Plan. We lost a hero, a person who gave his life to ensure that Namibia obtained its independence. He was a true servant of the people, a fearless man.”
Beyond his military service, Hawala served as headman of Ohakweenyanga, where he championed cleanliness and community order, launching regular cleaning campaigns to keep the village pristine.
He earned his nom de guerre, ‘Jesus’, from his leadership and resilience.
Hawala is survived by his wife, Laimi Hawala and six children.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.