Oshakati: Former Ohangwena Governor, Sebastian Ndeitunga, has paid tribute to the late Lieutenant General Solomon 'Jesus' Hawala, describing him as a forgotten hero. Hawala died at the age of 89 in northern Namibia on Monday. Speaking to Nampa on Tuesday, Ndeitunga said the late Hawala was a pivotal force in the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN).

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ndeitunga recalled first meeting Hawala in 1975 while in Wambu, and traveling to Ondjiva with the PLAN mission at the time. He stated that Hawala was one of the few people they followed during the liberation struggle, as he was the eyes and ears of PLAN. Ndeitunga remarked, 'We lost a hero, a person who gave his life to ensure that Namibia obtained its independence.' He added that Hawala was a true servant of the people and a fearless man.

Meanwhile, his son, Taapopi Hawala, described his father as a man of few words, but one of action. Taapopi said his late father raised them with discipline, although he never physically disciplined them. 'We always knew when something needed to be done, and we did it,' he said. He added that his father was active in agriculture and spent most of his time on the farm.

A decorated soldier and a key figure in Namibia's liberation struggle, Hawala rose through the ranks of PLAN to become one of the architects of the country's post-independence military. In 2000, he was appointed Chief of the Defence Force, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. Hawala is survived by his wife, retired Colonel Laimi Hawala, and six children.