Liberation struggle icon and former Ambassador Hadino Hishongwa has died.

Aged 80, Hishongwa died this morning at Ongwediva Medipark after an illness.

Hishongwa served as a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly from 1990 to 2005.

During that time, he served as the Minister of Youth and Sport as well as the Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development.

Hishongwa also served as Namibia's Ambassador to Botswana and played a pivotal role in the strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Minister in the Presidency, Christine ||Hoebes, made the announcement of the death of the liberation struggle icon and diplomat Hadino Hishongwa.

In addition to his political career, Hishongwa held the position of senior headman of the Omhedi District within the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority.

As a respected traditional leader, he played a vital role in the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage.

Funeral arrangements and memorial services will be communicated in due course.