Namibians paid their last respects as they bid farewell to the late Ambassador Hadino Hishongwa, who was buried this morning at Eenhana Memorial Shrine in the Ohangwena Region.

Speaker after speaker described the diplomat Hishongwa as one who served with commitment to the advancement of Namibia.

Prior to the funeral service, mourners first gathered for the state memorial at the late Hishongwa's homestead at Onekwaya West in the Ohangwena Region.

Speakers praised Hishongwa's good deeds and reminisced about his journey pre- and post-independence.

Brave and selfless are just some of the words used by the speakers to describe his personality.

President Hage Geingob met Hishongwa in 1964, and this is how he described him in a message of condolence read on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

"That is comrade Hishongwa, a true son of the Namibian soil and foundation stone of the Namibian house in which all Namibians leave in peace and harmony, equality, and prosperity. We salute his bravery, commitment, and patriotism."

Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who is also the late Hishongwa's cousin, highlighted his dedication to seeing a free Namibia.

"I knew this brother of mine when we were young. I am a little bit older than him. His early life was shaped and influenced by the political situation of the 1960s. He grew up under colonial oppression and was denied the basic human rights and freedoms by the South African apartheid regime, and he made the decision to go into exile in 1964."

The Leader of the Official Opposition, McHenry Venaani, also spoke highly of the late diplomat.

"His professional portfolios are indicative of his versatility, adaptability, and, above all, the depth of his expertise."

During his career before independence, he served, among others, as the Field Commander of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia and represented the Swapo Party in a number of countries.

He was also a parliamentarian and served as Namibia's High Commissioner to Botswana, as well as a senior headman of the Omhedi District within the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority.

Hishongwa's good deeds earned him a state funeral, and he was buried at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine, joining others who made immense contributions to Namibia and her people.

The 80-year-old Hishongwa is survived by his wife and nine children.