The memorial service of veteran of the liberation struggle, Commander and national hero Lieutenant General (RTD) Solomon Hawala, is underway at Ohakweenyanga village in the Oshana Region. 

Hawala, who died on the 11th of August at the age of 89, was accorded a state funeral by the Head of State, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Chief Mourner, President Nandi-Ndaitwah, arrived at the memorial service, accompanied by the First Gentleman.

The memorial service is being attended by Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, Deputy Prime Minister Natangue Ithete, former President Nangolo Mbumba, veterans, traditional leaders, men and women in uniforms, and other dignitaries.

Hawala was born on 19 August 1935 at Efidilomulunga near Ongwediva.

He joined Swapo in 1962 and went into exile in 1964.

Hawala was trained in Tanzania in 1965, North Korea in 1968, and the Soviet Union in 1981.

He participated in, planned and directed several combat operations against the South African colonial forces in the Caprivi Strip while based in Zambia. Hawala served in many positions in the army, including assistant commander to the army commander from 1975 to 1989. After Independence, he joined the Namibian Defence Force as Major General and was later appointed as Army Commander. 

In 2000, the late Hawala was appointed as the Chief of Defence Force, a position he held until his retirement in October 2006.

He was conferred with national honours such as the Order of Eagle 1st Class, the Omugulu-gwombashe medal, the Namibia Cross for Bravery Silver and NDF medals for his outstanding leadership.

He will be buried tomorrow at Old Ongwediva Lutheran Cemetery in the Oshana region.

Hawala is survived by his wife and six children.