Helao Shityuwete, an icon of Namibia’s liberation struggle, celebrates his 90th birthday today.

Shityuwete spent over 16 years as a political prisoner on Robben Island, enduring harsh conditions that only strengthened his resolve. Despite the brutality he faced, his family says these experiences deepened his lifelong commitment to social justice and equality.

Born on August 25, 1934, in Ohamiti, Evale District, Southern Angola, Helao is the son of Nelindi, a member of the Evale royal family. He attended St Mary’s Odibo, the only school in northern Namibia where English was taught. There, he met influential figures such as Jacob Kuhangwa, James Kauluma, and most notably, Andimba Toivo ya Toivo, with whom he formed a lifelong bond.

With limited educational opportunities for black youth under apartheid, Shityuwete was forced into the notorious contract labor system. His experiences in the system, where laborers were often beaten, denied medical care, and sent home without pay if they were unfit to work, ignited his passion for fighting against injustice.

In 1959, while in Walvis Bay, he met Helao Vinia Ndadi, who introduced him to the Ovamboland People’s Organisation (OPO). Together, they established the Walvis Bay branch of OPO, focusing on workers' rights and opposing South Africa's occupation of Namibia. In 1964, Shityuwete underwent military training in Ghana and Tanzania, and by 1966, he was part of a group sent back to Namibia to prepare for guerrilla warfare. Unfortunately, they were betrayed, leading to their capture near Nkurenkuru in March 1966.

After being handed over to the South African authorities, Shityuwete and his comrades were charged under the Terrorism Act in a trial that gained international attention. Alongside Toivo ya Toivo, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison but was released after serving 16 years on May 10, 1984.

Following his release, Shityuwete was sent to the UK by the Swapo Party for further studies. In 1989, with the implementation of Resolution 435, he led a delegation of Namibian students back home to participate in the elections. After independence, Shityuwete joined the Ministry of Labour, helping craft the Labour Act No. 6 of 1992, a fitting role for someone whose political journey began with the fight against the contract labor system.