Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba recalled the last time he saw his late cousin Hadino Hishongwa in hospital.
Speaking at Hishongwa’s memorial service at his homestead at Onekwaya West village in Ohangwena region on Thursday, Pohamba said he, his wife Penehupifo and Hishongwa’s wife Ester visited Hishongwa at a hospital at Ongwediva recently.
According to Pohamba, Hishongwa burst into tears when he saw him.
“That’s something I won’t forget. He was crying. I just decided to leave the place where he was confined and that will not disappear from my memory,” Pohamba said.
Pohamba told mourners that he went back to the hospital after two days, when Hishongwa welcomed him and spoke to him.
In the evening, Pohamba said, he received information that Hishongwa had been admitted to the intensive care unit.
“That was the last time I spoke to my brother at the hospital and I never talked to him again until he passed away,” Pohamba said.
Pohamba said Hishongwa was a freedom fighter and colleague who participated in the freedom struggle for Namibia.
Hishongwa, who passed away on 31 August 2023, served as deputy minister in various ministries and as Namibian high commissioner to Botswana.
In 2019 he was appointed by Oukwanyama Queen Martha Nelumbu as a senior traditional councillor for Omhedi district. Hishongwa will be laid to rest at Eenhana Shrine on Saturday.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
