Namibia mourns former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba

Renthia Kaimbi

Namibia is mourning former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, who died on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of public service, women’s empowerment and advocacy for maternal and child healthcare.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has extended her condolences to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba and the bereaved family, describing the death of the former First Lady as a painful loss for the family and the nation.

The death was formally announced on Sunday by Minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita on behalf of the President and the government.

“It is with profound sadness that, on behalf of president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the Republic of Namibia, I formally announce the passing of our former first lady, her excellency madam Penehupifo Pohamba, on 17 October 2026,” Mubita said.

Mubita said Pohamba occupied a special place in Namibia’s history and that her life of service to others would leave an enduring legacy.

Her death marks the loss of a public figure whose work extended beyond the ceremonial responsibilities of being First Lady, particularly in health advocacy, HIV/AIDS awareness and the empowerment of vulnerable women and children.

Pohamba served as Namibia’s second First Lady from 2005 to 2015, during her husband’s two terms as head of state.

She was born on 16 June 1948 at Okatale in the Ohangwena Region and is survived by her husband and five children.

Before assuming the role of First Lady, Pohamba built a career in healthcare as a registered nurse and midwife.

Her commitment to serving communities continued after she entered public life, with her work focusing on improving the welfare of women, children and vulnerable people.

As First Lady, she championed maternal and child healthcare, campaigned against violence and injustice towards women, and promoted the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

In November 2005, she helped establish the Organisation for the Empowerment of Widows, Widowers and Orphans of HIV/AIDS in Namibia (OEWONA), becoming its founder and patron.

She also joined the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS, later serving as its vice-president and president.

Pohamba continued practising as a nurse at a local clinic without charge from 2006 to 2008, even while serving as First Lady.

Her contribution to public service was recognised in 2014 when she received the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class.

Her name also became associated with healthcare infrastructure and community development. Lady Pohamba Private Hospital in Windhoek, which opened in 2016, was named in her honour, while the Penehupifo Pohamba Community Trust supported initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and opportunities for young people, particularly women.

Lady Pohamba Private Hospital has paid tribute to the late former First Lady, honouring her legacy of service and the values of care, dignity and compassion she embodied. The hospital also extended its condolences to her family, loved ones and the Namibian nation following her passing.

Lady Pohamba Private Hospital has paid tribute to the late former First Lady, honouring her legacy of service and the values of care, dignity and compassion she embodied.

The hospital also extended its condolences to her family, loved ones and the Namibian nation following her passing.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Madame Penehupifo Pohamba, Namibia’s former First Lady and the distinguished namesake and patron of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital,” the hospital announced.

“A dedicated professional nurse and midwife, she devoted her life to serving others, championing maternal and child health, strengthening community welfare, and advocating for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Her compassion and commitment to the well-being of the Namibian people leave a lasting legacy.”

Former First Lady Monica Geingos, who succeeded Pohamba in the role, has described her predecessor as a trusted mentor whose guidance helped her navigate the responsibilities of being First Lady.

Geingos paid tribute to Pohamba on Sunday, highlighting her grace, humility and dedication to public service. She credited her with helping shape her own experience in the position and acknowledged her contribution to maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS advocacy and the development of the Office of the First Spouse.

The tributes extended beyond the presidency and former First Ladies, with veteran politician Ben Amathila calling on Namibians to support the Pohamba family as it comes to terms with the loss.

Addressing mourners at the former president’s residence on Sunday morning, Amathila urged those gathered to give Hifikepunye Pohamba time and space to grieve the death of his wife.

Veteran diplomat and former ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh also mourned Pohamba, describing her death as a devastating blow to the nation and to those who had shared her journey from childhood through the liberation struggle.

Kalomoh’s tribute reflected a more personal loss, as he remembered a childhood friend whose life was intertwined with Namibia’s history and struggle for independence.

Pohamba’s life was shaped by both the liberation struggle and the responsibilities of public service. Her experiences as a healthcare worker and her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities informed the causes she pursued throughout her years in public life.

Many have said her death leaves a significant void for her family and for the many people reached through her work in healthcare, HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s empowerment.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced as stated by Mubita during the official announcement of her death.