John Amakali, a veteran of the liberation struggle affectionately known as Nakaundule, was laid to rest at the Eenhana Memorial Shrine.

President Nangolo Mbumba granted him an official funeral and praised him as a fearless freedom fighter who made invaluable contributions to the country's liberation before and after independence.

Amakali, aged 73, passed away on March 6th.

Speakers commended Amakali's bravery since he went into exile in 1975. He received his initial military training as an underground intelligence officer at Kasapa in eastern Angola and was subsequently sent to the North Eastern Front.

In President Nangolo Mbumba's message of condolences, he vividly recalled when Amakali successfully established an underground network spanning the borders between Namibia and Angola, extending from the north-central region to the Namib Desert.

"As we lay Comrade Amakali to rest, let us remember his incredible and brave contributions to the attainment of freedom in Namibia. He was known as a trusted cadre who never wavered and sacrificed his youth in the liberation struggle in pursuit of Namibia's independence."

Amakali served as a platoon commander in Eheke and undertook several missions in northern Namibia from 1976 to 1977. He also received training in reconnaissance and artillery and was sent to the former Soviet Union for further training.

Messages of condolences from Founding President Sam Nujoma and Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba were delivered on their behalf.

"We have lost not only a dependable cadre but also a loyal and faithful servant of the Namibian people who possessed many virtues."

"Comrade John Ruben Amakali made enormous sacrifices and faced tremendous threats to his life. Despite the risks involved, he bravely accomplished all missions assigned to him."

He is survived by his wife and six children.