Onamubutu: The widow of late liberation stalwart Mathias Kanana Hishoono on Friday remembered her husband as a gentle, peaceful man who led his family with patience, love, and quiet strength. Speaking at the memorial service held at their residence in Onamubutu village in the Ohangwena Region, Ndeshipewa Elina Hishoono reflected on a love story rooted in friendship, respect, and mutual understanding.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ndeshipewa recalled first knowing Hishoono as a close friend of her late brother, saying his frequent presence in their home made him feel like family long before romance blossomed. 'He has always been in our house, but he was actually my brother's best friend,' she said in a statement read on her behalf.
Hishoono surprised her one day when he asked to speak to her privately, a conversation that soon turned into a marriage proposal. 'It was a surprise, and I've been reflecting on that moment ever since. I didn't know how to respond at first,' she told mourners, adding that she later accepted the proposal. The couple were married on 26 September 1971 in Eenhana.
Describing her husband's character, Hishoono said he was a man who avoided conflict and chose dialogue over anger. 'His ability to communicate effectively without resorting to conflict is a testament to his character,' she said, adding that he guided his family 'with patience and understanding rather than raising his voice'.
She noted that Hishoono treated all children in their household equally, fostering unity and a sense of belonging. 'He was a role model, demonstrating love and compassion as the foundation of a strong family,' she said.
Meanwhile, she thanked President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for honouring her late husband with a state funeral on Saturday at the Eenhana National Shrine. The late Hishoono was revered as a national hero and one of the founding members of the Ovamboland People's Organisation, the precursor to the South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo), which led Namibia's liberation struggle through a combination of armed resistance and diplomacy.
He died on 14 January 2026 after a prolonged hospitalisation at Ondangwa. Addressing her late husband directly, whose casket was draped in the national flag, she promised: 'I will continue taking care of our children, my dear husband, with love, as you did. My hero, my all in all.'
Hishoono is survived by his wife, seven children, 50 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.