Mourners are flocking to the homestead of the late Swapo stalwart and freedom fighter Kanana Hishoono at Onambutu village in the Eenhana Constituency, Ohangwena Region, to console the bereaved family and pay their last respects.

Hishoono died at age 89 on 14 January.

Among those paying tribute was former Ambassador to China and Swapo Party Central Committee member Elia Kaiyamo, who described Hishoono as a wise adviser and respected source of wisdom within Swapo.

Hishoono, former political adviser to Founding President Sam Nujoma and former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, will be remembered for his contributions to the liberation struggle.

He was among the founders of the Ovamboland People's Organisation (OPO) and later Swapo, alongside liberation icons including Sam Nujoma, Kaxumba Kandola, Mzee Kaukungwa, and Toivo ya Toivo.

Former Onayena Constituency Councillor and Swapo Regional Elders' Council Secretary for Oshikoto, Max Nekongo, recalled meeting Hishoono in Luanda, Angola, in 1978 as he travelled to Cuba to teach Namibian children.

Nekongo described Hishoono as a hero of the Namibian revolution who served fearlessly despite torture and imprisonment for his role in the independence struggle.