A veteran of the liberation struggle, Rebekka Nepemba Shaningwa, was buried at Ntara village in the Kavango West Region.

Shaningwa died on the 18th of June at the age of 75.

Born on 29 March 1950 at Mazwa village in the Kavango West Region, Nepemba Shaningwa joined Swapo in November 1970 at Mayenzere village, during a difficult time in Namibia's history.

Her house served as an assembly point for PLAN fighters' underground strategic meetings.

She also provided accommodation for the PLAN fighters, supplied them with essential needs such as medication and food, and organised South West African identity cards for them.

Shaningwa also suffered imprisonment and torture at the hands of the South African Territorial Army (SWATF) and Koevoet, including when she was pregnant.

Mourners describe the late Shaningwa as a brave fighter, a risk-taker, and a strategist for the liberation of Namibia.

Despite her contributions to the liberation of the country, Shaningwa was not granted an official funeral, as the criteria for the conferment of funeral honours are currently being reviewed and under moratorium.

A letter of response received by the family from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, however, states that Shaningwa qualified for veteran funeral assistance from them.

The family members, however, say no assistance has been granted so far.

Shaningwa leaves behind eight children and approximately 15 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.