President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described former presidential adviser Matias Hishoono as an icon and a dedicated servant of the Namibian people.
Speaking at Hishoono’s funeral held at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena region on Saturday, president Nandi-Ndaitwah said Hishoono’s life was defined by sacrifice, unwavering commitment and service to the nation.
Hishoono died on 14 January. He was 94.
“Comrade Hishoono joins fellow departed veterans who made immense sacrifices for the independence of Namibia and her people. This shrine stands as a testament to their bravery and unwavering commitment,” she said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Hishoono’s extensive contribution to the liberation struggle and nation-building, noting that he served as an adviser to both founding president Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba.
He also served his community with distinction as headman of Onambutu Village until his death.
She emphasised that Hishoono’s participation in the liberation struggle was driven by deep conviction and a firm belief that the dignity and sovereignty of Namibians were non-negotiable.
“During the darkest days of colonialism, comrade Hishoono and other brave Namibians realised the urgent need for self-determination. He was among those who understood that true freedom demanded nothing less than the total liberation of Namibia,” the president said.
“He has left us with a wealth of knowledge. He would always refer to the Bible. When I visited him in the hospital, he was always strong. He said the party should always grow,” the president said.
She added that Hishoono had worked for the honour he received from the government.
Among those who came to pay tribute was Theresia Mweshihange (91), who said she met Hishoono in exile around 1978.
She last saw him in November last year, when he promised to visit her at her home at Epinga village in the Ohangwena region.
“He was a very interesting person. He respected everyone. I didn’t see anything wrong in him. Kanana was a very good person. He respected me and I respected him,” Mweshihange said Former cabinet minister Helmut Angula recalled his time working with Hishoono in exile.
When Angula served as Namibia’s chief representative in Cuba, Hishoono was his second-in-command.
“Kanana was a student counsellor to the Namibian children who studied in Cuba,” he said.
“He encouraged them when they were traumatised after the Cassinga attack. He showed fatherly love.”
Angula acknowledged that the decision to accord Hishoono a state funeral had not been without debate.
“There might be protests here and there,” he said, “but he and others laid the foundation for the struggle. It is ubuntu to recognise people.”
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