Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday paid her last tribute to veteran liberation struggle stalwart and founding SWAPO Party member, Mathias Kanana Hishoono, describing him as an icon of Namibia's independence whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Nandi-Ndaitwah said the late liberation veteran understood that Namibia's freedom required sacrifice and unwavering dedication.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that Comrade Kanana recognized 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.

She added that Kanana was central to the resistance, operating both behind the scenes and on the front lines to dismantle systems of injustice. 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.

The President said Hishoono's legacy should inspire Namibians to remain committed to the ideals of freedom and equity, adding that he had left behind an immeasurably good name that would remain part of Namibia's history. Comrade Kanana's legacy should be a powerful motivation for all of us, as 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.

Hishoono died on 14 January 2026 at the age of 89 and was buried on Saturday at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine. He is survived by seven children, 50 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.