Hundreds thronged to Oshihole Village in the Omusati Region to pay their last respects to business magnate Malakia Lukas Nakuumba, who died on May 7 after a short illness.

Mourners included Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, politicians, traditional leaders, businesspersons, family, and friends attended the burial of Nakuumba, who received an official funeral at the Omuthitu gwatshishele cemetery this morning.

86-year-old business mogul and Swapo Party Malakia Lukas Nakuumba was one of the pioneering black businessmen who contributed to the growth of business empires before and after Namibia's independence. 

Alongside Frans Aupa Indongo, Eliakim Namundjembo, Nangolo Jacob, and Erastus Mvula, amongst others, played a significant role in shaping the business landscape in the northern regions. 

He joined Swapo in 1962 in Windhoek when he was just 24 years old.  

Through his businesses, he supported the liberation struggle by providing PLAN combatants with essential supplies such as food and clothing. 

He also worked as an underground agent for PLAN. 

He suffered business losses due to this support, and his properties were destroyed by the SWATF and Koevoet during the liberation struggle.

 In a speech read on his behalf during the late Nakuumba's memorial on Friday, President Nangolo Mbumba described the late Nakuumba as an unwavering Swapo Party cadre who risked his life for Namibia's independence.

Dr. Mbumba lauded his unwavering spirit, commitment to opposing injustice, and belief in a free and independent Namibia.

He is survived by his wife, 15 children, and 30 grandchildren.