President Nangolo Mbumba has announced that the late Heikky Shililifa, a liberation struggle hero and educator, will be accorded an official funeral.
Shililia passed away on 16 December at Oshakati in the Oshana region at the age of 82.
In a statement on Saturday, the information ministry announced that Mbumba, acting on the recommendation of the National Honours Advisory Committee, made the proclamation in recognition of Shililifa’s contribution to Namibia’s independence.
Born in 1942, Shililifa supported the liberation struggle as a Swapo member, aiding the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia combatants and smuggling students into exile.
He was arrested in 1978 and spent five years on Robben Island.
Shililifa, a lifelong educator, was honoured with the Most Distinguished Order of Namibia First Class by the late president Hage Geingob in 2015.
He is survived by his wife, 12 children, and other descendants.
His memorial service will be held on 29 December, at the Omusati Regional Council, with burial on 30 December at Onakayale Cemetery.
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