Dorothea ||Hoëses, an unsung hero in the fight against colonialism and apartheid during the Old Location era, has died at the age of 89.

Social activist Rosa Namises reflected on her time with ||Hoëses, remembering her as a selfless veteran who never sought fame but remained steadfast to the cause.

Born 90 years ago, ||Hoëses was one of the first nurses, alongside Kovambo Nujoma, the wife of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma, during colonial times.

She later transitioned to midwifery, playing a key role in bringing newborns into a new generation during apartheid.

||Hoëses was also known for her fierce opposition to the apartheid government's decision to enlist 16-year-olds to join the army, driven not by a desire for recognition but by her deep love and concern for children.

In a final interview with nbc news, ||Hoëses vividly recalled the forced removals to Katutura and the protests against the apartheid regime.

"It was the worst day of our lives; people were dodging bullets and hiding under the beds. It was an ugly day. I don't know, but it was only the grace of God that we survived, and even though we protested against these people, not many lives were taken. We didn't even know it would turn out the way it did, but we were close to where it all started."

Namises described the late ||Hoëses as an unrecognized hero and a notable veteran who never sought status.

"We know that Ouma Dorothea dies with no veteran status or any recognition of that. She would speak until the last about the love for the old location, the behaviors, how they were brought up, and how they would listen to their elders. She would speak about the games they played and bring those games into the playground, but she would also discipline the children and have a cup of tea."

"Ouma Dorothea was a member of the old location cultural group and with all the founding mothers who had lived during the old location. Ouma Dorothea, before all of us— even me, who is speaking—was born; she was a traditional healer, the medicine woman, and with that knowledge, she was trained as a nurse. So she really worked in the community, massaging little children and making sure that children were born and were safe. For any health challenge, she would take care of the people; she later worked in the clinics."

The late ||Hoëses' legacy will be her unwavering dedication to the freedom and health of Namibians.