Onesmus Shikongo Akwenye, a veteran of Namibia's liberation struggle, former educator, sportsman, and public servant, died aged 86 on Friday in a Windhoek hospital.

Akwenye began his career as a teacher at the Rhenish Herero School in Windhoek, where he was also known as the captain of the Tigers Football Club during the 1960s.

In 1964, amid the height of apartheid oppression, he went into exile and joined SWAPO, dedicating his life to the fight for Namibia's independence.

During his years in exile, Akwenye continued his work as an educator at the SWAPO Health and Education Centre in Nyango, Zambia, before being transferred to Kwanza Sul, Angola.

He later served in an administrative role in the Department of Finance at SWAPO's headquarters in Luanda.

After Namibia gained independence in 1990, Akwenye returned to the country and played a vital role in the nation-building process.

In 1991, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Resource and Transformation.

His public service career culminated in his position as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, from which he retired in 2001.

Even after retirement, he remained an active voice in the community, particularly known for his early contributions to transforming Tigers Football Club into a respected sporting institution in Namibia.

According to family members, the memorial service will be held on Friday, April 25, and the burial service will take place on Saturday, April 26, in Windhoek.