The Swapo Party Secretary General, Sophia Shaningwa, has described the late Katrina Hanse-Himarwa as a dedicated freedom fighter and servant of the people. 

The party conveyed its message of condolences to the family.

Shaningwa, in a statement, says Hanse-Himarwa joined the Swapo Party during a perilous era under the mentorship of the late Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi. 

In those difficult times, associating with liberation efforts under the Swapo banner was seen as a death sentence by the apartheid regime. 

Yet, the courageous youth of Namibia united under the banner of NANSO, stood firm against apartheid and colonialism, she says.

Hanse-Himarwa was among the NANSO pioneers who organised anti-apartheid protests and amplified the voices of students opposing foreign occupation and exploitation.

"Indeed, a dark cloud has befallen us, and our hearts are broken. To the Hanse-Himarwa family, please know that you are not alone. We grieve with you; your pain is our pain, and your sorrow is our sorrow," said Shaningwa.

The loss of Hanse-Himarwa is a significant blow not only to her family and community but also to the Swapo Party and the entire Namibian nation, she concluded.

The Secretary of the Swapo Party's women's wing, Fransina Kahungu, says Hanse-Himarwa was a fearless woman and a problem solver.

"Katrina 'Muti' Hanse-Himarwa was an honest and straightforward person who, at all times, was ready to say what she thought was right. Permit me to mention that such characteristics of comrade Katrina did not only earn her friends but a crop of enemies too; however, the situation, comrade Katrina remained a nation-builder."