Ndakondjelua Shaumbwa, a long-serving nurse, midwife, and veteran of the liberation struggle, has died at the age of 85. Her death on the 16th of September was confirmed by her nephew, Jackson Wahengo.

Shaumbwa had a long history of dedicated service to nursing, humanitarian actions during the war, and an influential role in the lives of many, including a future Namibian president.

According to family members, Nurse Shaumbwa, in her many Florence Nightingale duties, treated a boy brought in from Oshigambo High School who was gravely ill. She tended to him with love and care until he recovered and was discharged. That boy’s name is Nangolo Mbumba.

She also delivered thousands of children, among them the famous Nakale triplets, now deceased, whom she named Sadrag, Mesag, and Abednego.

During the bitter liberation struggle, she worked at a hospital in Okalongo, where she was constantly harassed and arrested for aiding PLAN fighters.

Before Namibia gained independence, Shaumbwa used her own funds to construct a clinic in Ewaneno village, ensuring residents no longer had to travel long distances for healthcare. The clinic is now known as Epoko Clinic.

She worked in the public health service until her retirement.

Her memorial service is scheduled for Friday, with the funeral on Saturday at Onandjaba in the Omusati Region.