As Namibia mourns the loss of liberation figure Helao Joseph Shityuwete, we take a brief look at his biography.

The government says Namibia's national honours system is meant to recognise service and exceptional achievement, not privilege, political connections or favouritism.

Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Frans Kapofi provided the clarification as the country commemorated Heroes' Day on August 26.

On the 26th of August 1966, the first shots of the Namibian Liberation Struggle rang out at Omugulugombashe in the Omusati Region – forever altering the course of the nation's history. 

When one hears the word hero, names from the Namibian's liberation struggle quickly come to mind.

However, for some Namibians, their heroes are not found in history books or on monuments but at home, in places where sacrifices, love and courage are part of everyday life.

Every person has their own way of selecting a hero, depending on the cultural and historical background, as well as political affiliation.

This also involves the ideological background. 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says while Namibia has secured its political freedom and sovereignty, the country's focus must now shift to economic emancipation. 

From the battlefront to the honours list. 

Namibians who took part in the fight for freedom have now received the country's salute ahead of the Heroes Day commemoration on Wednesday. 

A procession carrying the remains of liberation stalwarts who were reburied at the Heroes' Acre today passed through parts of Windhoek ahead of the official reburial ceremony.

After more than five decades, Namibia has laid to rest two liberation heroes who died in captivity on Robben Island, while honouring six others whose remains and legacies have now been brought together at Heroes' Acre.

Member of Parliament Austin Samupwa urges Namibians to honour Cassinga heroes beyond annual ritual.

He made the remarks during the Cassinga Day commemoration at Kamupupu village in the Kavango West Region.