Allexer Namundjembo
The late former Namibia Defence Force (NDF) chief Solomon ‘Jesus’ Hawala wanted to be buried next to his parents. His wish was fulfilled when he was laid to rest in his home village in the Oshana Region this weekend.
Hawala was born on 17 August 1935 and died on 11 August 2025 in a local hospital at the age of 89. He was buried in Ongwediva on Saturday.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government respected his request. “It was his expressed wish that his remains should be buried here, where his parents were laid to rest. As we always do, the government respects the wishes of the deceased, which, to a certain extent, are cultural, and their families in terms of where they would want to be laid to rest,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred national hero status on Hawala and authorised a state funeral for him, despite a moratorium on such honours. In July, the cabinet announced a moratorium on official funerals until March 2026 to review the criteria, but the president retains constitutional powers to confer national honours.
She stressed that Hawala’s recognition was earned. “As a dedicated fighter, he did not sacrifice his entire life with the intention of becoming a hero. He instead made that sacrifice with the aim of providing service for the liberation of his country and its people,” she said.
The burial stood in contrast to the case of the late President Hage Geingob, who close allies said wished to be buried at his own farm. Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the difference reflected constitutional and cultural dynamics. “Constitutionally, the state takes over the burial when a president dies. Yes, but unnecessary differentiation. As Africans, we like elaborate ceremonies. We are poisoned by colonialism. We need to decolonise our minds on many things,” he said.
Analyst Sakaria Johannes said Geingob’s case was unique. “Ok, it might be the reason why, though it was just rumours. Dr Geingob was a statesman; hence, I think he was buried at Heroes’ Acre, and I think his family also agreed to be buried there,” he said.
At the funeral, former presidents described Hawala as a freedom fighter. Former president Nangolo Mbumba said Hawala’s military skills established him as a capable soldier and later commander, who directed combat missions against apartheid South African forces in the Zambezi Region while based in Zambia. He said Hawala later deputised Lt Gen Dimo Hamaambo as PLAN deputy commander.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba said Hawala oversaw the development of the Namibian Defence Force into an entity that met international standards.
