A tombstone of nine PLAN fighters who were killed on the second of April, 1989, in clashes with South African security forces was unveiled at Enghandja laShikongeni Village in the Ohangwena region.

The battles took place in northern Namibia just after the United Nations-supervised ceasefire was supposed to take effect on April 1st.

The event brought together former PLAN combatants, government officials and community members.

The fallen combatants remembered are Julius Neshuku, Matti Endjala, Naeman Nauvinga, Petrus Mwetupunga, Timoteus Shuunduli, Nduudhili Hamukwaya, and Ndiiweda Johannes, Kaishela Shapumba and Matheus Amushila.

Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa commended the bravery of the fallen heroes and heroines as the country forges towards economic freedom.

“No comrade must be left behind and no comrade must ever be forgotten. Your actions remind us that the true actions of a soldier are not only on the battlefield but also in loyalty, brotherhood and respect you show to those who paid the ultimate price,” she said.

Former Chief of Defence, General Martin Shali, and survivor of the 2 April battle, Banda Shilimela, sang the praises of the PLAN combatants who sacrificed their lives to liberate Namibia.

“The current generation has the responsibility to build this country to greater heights and sacrifice everything just like these fallen heroes lying here,” Shilimela said.

"These fallen liberation icons who lost their lives here truly sacrificed their blood that waters our freedom, and it was not easy, and this battle and others should always be remembered,” said Shali.

Some of those in attendance have called on the government to declare the gravesite a national heritage site.

Amongst them is Helena Nengola, a national heritage site nominator.

“The honour that we have been given here, we need to make sure that we nominate this gravesite to be a heritage site which will bring along development, business and people to come and learn about this battle,” she said.

Shilimela donated N$130 000 to the tombstone that was unveiled by the Ohangwena Governor.