Honoring Matias Hishoono: A State Funeral for a Liberation Struggle Veteran

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has conferred a state funeral on liberation struggle veteran and Swapo stalwart Matias Kanana Hishoono, who died at the age of 89 last week. The announcement was made by the acting executive director in the president’s private office, John Kantara, on Monday. Hishoono, who died on 14 January, will be laid to rest at the Eenhana Heroes Shrine on Saturday, 24 January. Hishoono hailed from Onambutu, a village in the Ohangwena region, where he served as headman and earned widespread respect for his leadership, role in the liberation struggle and contribution to nation-building after Namibia’s independence. Since his death, political leaders, liberation struggle veterans and community members have paid tribute to Hishoono, describing him as a dedicated freedom fighter and a pillar of strength whose legacy will live on for generations. Family spokesperson France Kaundinge said the family was given an option to choose the burial site between Omugulugwombashe Heroes Shrine and the Eenhana Heroes Shrine. He said the family decided on Eenhana as Hishoono hailed from the Ohangwena region, allowing him to be laid to rest close to home. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, with the official memorial service taking place on Friday at the Hishoono homestead.