Hishongwa laid to rest
‘Committed stalwart’ remembered
In a speech read on his behalf, the president urged Namibians to honour Hadino Hishongwa's heroic acts by emulating his deeds and duplicating his character.
The late Hadino Hishongwa was laid to rest at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine on Saturday, with thousands of mourners in attendance.
The former deputy minister – first of labour, then youth – was a founding member of Swapo and a parliamentarian, and served as the High Commissioner to Botswana for several years.
During a memorial service held in his honour on Friday at Onekwaya West, President Hage Geingob described Hishongwa as a cadre, patriot and committed stalwart who played a role in ensuring that Namibians enjoy the fruits of independence and liberty.
Geingob said he first met Hishongwa in Francistown in 1964. His speech was read on his behalf by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
Namibians should honour Hishongwa's heroic acts by emulating his deeds, duplicating his character and applying it to their own lives as patriots driven by something greater than themselves, he said.
Citizens need “something greater than their place of birth, something greater than their tribe or kin”.
"Let us, therefore, leave this memorial filled with the spirit of inspiration, so that when our own day of departure arrives, people will be able to eulogise us as brave, committed and patriotic Namibians who dedicated our prime years to the advancement of our people and the nation,” Geingob said.
Freedom fighter
Swapo Party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said Hishongwa joined the party at a very young age when it was not fashionable to do so.
She described him as an outstanding anti-apartheid activist, freedom fighter, educationalist and a seasoned diplomat who served the country with purpose.
“Known by many for his overflowing wisdom, advice and unifying acumen, the late Hishongwa served the Swapo Party before and after independence in various capacities.
“Like many fearless sons and daughters of the soil, he faced, endured and overcame hardships, putting his life on the line and that of his family.”
Despite torture and intimidation by colonial combatants, he never gave out information on Swapo and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia’s activities to enemy forces, Shaningwa said, adding that Hishongwa endured “excruciating pain” and continued to support the cause until Namibia became independent.
After going into exile in 1964, Hishongwa was sent by Swapo to study at the University of Dar es Salaam, majoring in political science and economics, and was subsequently appointed as the party’s chief representative in East Africa, she said.
He was later re-deployed to West Africa and appointed chief representative there.
Visionary leader
Leader of the official opposition, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani described Hishongwa as a visionary leader who saw potential in young people and worked tirelessly to create a platform for them to voice their concerns and to participate in the democratic process.
In 1989, Namibia held its first election, and Hishongwa was one of the first members of the Constituent Assembly of 1989-1990. He was appointed deputy minister of labour and human resources development from 1990 to 1995 and deputy minister of youth and sport from 1995 to 2005.
In 2014, he was conferred the Excellent Order of the Eagle, First Class, by former president Hifikepunye Pohamba on Heroes Day. He also served as a senior headman of the Omhedi district in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority after retirement.
The 80-year-old died at Ongwediva Medipark on 31 August following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Ester and children.
The former deputy minister – first of labour, then youth – was a founding member of Swapo and a parliamentarian, and served as the High Commissioner to Botswana for several years.
During a memorial service held in his honour on Friday at Onekwaya West, President Hage Geingob described Hishongwa as a cadre, patriot and committed stalwart who played a role in ensuring that Namibians enjoy the fruits of independence and liberty.
Geingob said he first met Hishongwa in Francistown in 1964. His speech was read on his behalf by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
Namibians should honour Hishongwa's heroic acts by emulating his deeds, duplicating his character and applying it to their own lives as patriots driven by something greater than themselves, he said.
Citizens need “something greater than their place of birth, something greater than their tribe or kin”.
"Let us, therefore, leave this memorial filled with the spirit of inspiration, so that when our own day of departure arrives, people will be able to eulogise us as brave, committed and patriotic Namibians who dedicated our prime years to the advancement of our people and the nation,” Geingob said.
Freedom fighter
Swapo Party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa said Hishongwa joined the party at a very young age when it was not fashionable to do so.
She described him as an outstanding anti-apartheid activist, freedom fighter, educationalist and a seasoned diplomat who served the country with purpose.
“Known by many for his overflowing wisdom, advice and unifying acumen, the late Hishongwa served the Swapo Party before and after independence in various capacities.
“Like many fearless sons and daughters of the soil, he faced, endured and overcame hardships, putting his life on the line and that of his family.”
Despite torture and intimidation by colonial combatants, he never gave out information on Swapo and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia’s activities to enemy forces, Shaningwa said, adding that Hishongwa endured “excruciating pain” and continued to support the cause until Namibia became independent.
After going into exile in 1964, Hishongwa was sent by Swapo to study at the University of Dar es Salaam, majoring in political science and economics, and was subsequently appointed as the party’s chief representative in East Africa, she said.
He was later re-deployed to West Africa and appointed chief representative there.
Visionary leader
Leader of the official opposition, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani described Hishongwa as a visionary leader who saw potential in young people and worked tirelessly to create a platform for them to voice their concerns and to participate in the democratic process.
In 1989, Namibia held its first election, and Hishongwa was one of the first members of the Constituent Assembly of 1989-1990. He was appointed deputy minister of labour and human resources development from 1990 to 1995 and deputy minister of youth and sport from 1995 to 2005.
In 2014, he was conferred the Excellent Order of the Eagle, First Class, by former president Hifikepunye Pohamba on Heroes Day. He also served as a senior headman of the Omhedi district in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority after retirement.
The 80-year-old died at Ongwediva Medipark on 31 August following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Ester and children.
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