President Hage Geingob has extended a message of condolences to the wife, children and the entire family of former ambassador to Nordic countries, Hadino Hishongwa, who died on Friday at the age of 80.

Geingob, in a statement availed by the Presidency, here described the late Hishongwa as a leader who walked the difficult path of a freedom fighter and worked hard for the betterment of the Namibian people after independence.

“Through his exemplary deeds throughout his life, Ambassador Hishongwa personified selfless sacrifice towards the cause of Namibia’s independence. His life was filled with hard work in the pursuit of freedom, including on the diplomatic front where he fought tirelessly for Namibians to emerge victorious in their pursuit of their inalienable right to self-determination and self-rule”, he said.

Geingob further said Hishongwa made stellar contributions to the architecture of the liberation movement, SWAPO, the SWAPO Party Youth League, the work of the Constituent Assembly in 1989 and subsequently that of an independent Namibia, through the various roles he has served in the executive and diplomatic missions.

During this difficult time of bereavement, Namibia mourns a true son of the soil, a hero of the Namibian liberation struggle and one whose commitment to the development of the Namibian people shall not be forgotten by current and future generations, President Geingob added.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife Esther Litauleni Hishongwa, children and grandchildren.

Ambassador Hishongwa served as the Swapo Chief Representative to Nordic countries, West and East Africa, Swapo Organizer for Returning Exiles, for Youth and Elections and Foreign Secretary of the National Union of Namibian Workers.

He also served in the executive as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development and has been a member of the National Assembly for 15 years. Following his retirement from public office, Ambassador Hishongwa went on to serve the community as Senior Headman of Omhedi District in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority until his death.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency