Ongwediva, September 6 — Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a heartfelt and solemn statement during the funeral service of the late Lieutenant General (Rtd) Solomon Dumeni Hawala, a towering figure in Namibia’s liberation struggle and an esteemed servant of the nation. The gathering, which united family, political leaders, liberation veterans, and community members, was a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy and sacrifice of Comrade Hawala, who passed away on 11 August 2025.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reflected on Comrade Hawala’s lifelong dedication to the SWAPO Party, which he joined in its early years in 1962, and his unwavering commitment to Namibia’s freedom, justice, and sovereignty. His steadfast resistance against the colonial apartheid regime and his role in the fight for independence symbolize a chapter of resilience and patriotism in the country’s history.
The theme of the funeral, anchored in the biblical verse from 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” aptly captures Comrade Hawala’s purposeful life and determined spirit. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that his contributions extended beyond military achievements, highlighting his wisdom and commitment to national unity and socio-economic development in independent Namibia.
In honoring the expressed wish of Comrade Hawala, the government accorded him the status of a National Hero and a State Funeral while respecting his cultural desire to be buried alongside his parents in Ongwediva rather than at the heroes’ shrine.
The President called upon fellow Namibians to remember Comrade Hawala’s legacy by renewing their commitment to peace, unity, and prosperity for all citizens. She affirmed that the struggle for economic emancipation, which Comrade Hawala championed, will continue until it reaches prosperity.
Her Excellency concluded with a prayer for peace and eternal rest for the soul of the National Hero and a solemn farewell to a gallant son of Namibian soil whose legacy will live on until the nation meets him again.
This profound tribute captures not only the loss of a beloved comrade and patriot but also the enduring inspiration his life represents for the ongoing nation-building efforts in Namibia.
