ONGWEDIVA – Liberation struggle icon and former ambassador Hadino Hishongwa will be laid to rest at the Eenhana Shrine on Saturday.

The first memorial service will be held today, and the State memorial service will take place on Friday.

Hishongwa died last Thursday at Ongwediva MediPark after an illness.

He was 80.

Hishongwa served as a member of parliament in the National Assembly from 1990 to 2005, served as the minister of youth and sport as well as the deputy minister of labour and human resources development.

The veteran politician also served as Namibia’s ambassador to Botswana and, after retirement, became a senior headman of the Omhedi District within the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority, until his death.

His wife, Ester Hishongwa, described him as a committed person towards any assignment given to him. 

“My husband was a humble person, who stood firm in his decisions; a disciplined and highly-principled person who worked hard during his leadership,” said the wife.

Ester further said her husband was a friend to all and an enemy to none.

“He was a freedom fighter; he is one of the veterans who fought for this country, and he contributed a lot to his motherland,” she added.

He is survived by his wife and nine children.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na