The government intends to accord liberation struggle veteran and former Robben Island prisoner Helao Shityuwete a state funeral in recognition of his contribution to the country’s independence.
The Presidency announced this yesterday.
Presidential press secretary Jonas Mbambo said Shityuwete’s family has been consulted and that the government is currently finalising the formal processes required before the funeral arrangements can be officially announced.
He said the necessary formalities include a proclamation by the attorney general.
“The necessary formalities are now being finalised. Once this process has been completed, an official announcement will be made,” he said.
Shityuwete, who was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years during the apartheid era, died on 29 August a few days after he turned 92.
He was among Namibians who endured imprisonment during the struggle against apartheid and South African colonial rule.
He was born in Angola and moved to Namibia at the age of 10.
He attended school at Endola and later St Mary’s Mission in Odibo, where he studied English.
In 1967, Shityuwete and 36 other Namibian nationalists were tried under South Africa’s Terrorism Act.
They were convicted and sent to Robben Island in 1968.
Shityuwete was released in 1984.
