Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commended the late Mathias Kanana Hishoono for his contribution to Namibia’s liberation struggle, emphasising that his legacy provides deep insight into the sacrifices that were required to liberate the country. She urged the public to honour his legacy by safeguarding the values that underpin the national agenda.
She made these remarks at the State Funeral of the late Hishoono, held today at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena Region.
FINAL FAREWELL: Scenes from the State Funeral of the late Hishoono. Photos: Namibian Presidency.
The President’s full speech can be read below:
“We are gathered here today at this sacred ground, the Eenhana Memorial Shrine, to lay to rest and pay our final respects to an icon of the Namibian liberation struggle, a dedicated servant of the Namibian people, and a founding member of the SWAPO Party, Comrade Mathias Kanana Hishoono, who passed on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
At Eenhana Memorial Shrine, Comrade Hishoono joins his fellow departed veterans of the liberation struggle who made immense sacrifices for the independence of Namibia and her people. This Shrine, a testament to their bravery and unwavering commitment, now embraces another hero whose legacy will forever inspire generations to come.
Therefore, I ask you to stand as we observe a moment of silence for the combatants who fought for the liberation of the country and whose blood waters our freedom, which we enjoy today.
Fellow Mourners, Comrade Kanana devoted his life to serving the Namibian people during the difficult time of the liberation struggle and after independence, where he took up the active role of Advisor to both the Founding President, and Father of the Namibian nation, H.E. Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma, and Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, 2nd President, but also as headman of Onambutu Village, which he served with distinction, until his last breath. Fellow mourners, Comrade Kanana recognised that achieving true freedom required sacrifice and unwavering commitment. His involvement in the liberation struggle was not a choice born of convenience but a profound conviction that the dignity and sovereignty of his people were non-negotiable.
During the darkest moments of colonialism, Comrade Kanana and other brave Namibians, such as Kahumba Kandola, Mzee Simon Kaukungwa, Andimba Toivo yaToivo and Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, among others, realised the need for Namibia’s self-determination. He was among those rare Namibians who understood that true freedom demanded nothing less than the total liberation of Namibia.
Fellow Mourners;
As recounted in numerous historical accounts of Namibia’s liberation struggle, Comrade Kanana formed the backbone of the resistance, working tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines to dismantle the structures of injustice. His dedication to the cause was absolute, embodying the spirit of those who believed in a free Namibia even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
His wisdom and experience were invaluable in shaping policies and programmes, specifically the SWAPO Party Ideology.
Comrade Hishoono was a Lecturer at the SWAPO Party School where he so diligently and passionately shared his vast knowledge and experience on the Party’s constitution, principles, ideology and political programme which must guide all Party cadres. He left us with a greater understanding of what it took to liberate our country and the values that we must protect to fulfil our national agenda and prosper, as a Party and as a Nation, at large. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good name is better than precious ointment.” Comrade Kanana Hishoono has left us with an immeasurably good name, and his spirit and deeds will forever remain etched in the annals of Namibian history.
Comrade Kanana’s legacy should be a powerful motivation for all of us where we remember his firm courage in the face of oppression, his selfless dedication to his people, and his profound belief in a free and equitable Namibia. Let us celebrate his extraordinary life and recommit ourselves to upholding the ideals for which he fought so bravely for.
On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the SWAPO Party, and indeed on my behalf, I convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Meme Elina Ndeshipewa Hishoono, the children, and the entire Hishoono family, as well as the Onambutu Village community.
Your loss is our loss, and we share in your sorrow. May you find solace in the Bible scripture: Revelation 21:4 and I quote, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” This promise of a future free from sorrow provides a beacon of hope for all of us who mourn his passing.
May the soul of Comrade Mathias Kanana Hishoono rest in eternal peace.
I thank you.”
