Bidding farewell to the love of his life …nation stands by Lucas in sending wife to final resting home

OKANGHUDI – It was a tense moment, and a sombre mood filled the air on Saturday at the Pohamba family cemetery as thousands, including President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who flew in from Russia, showed up to accompany former President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba as he prepared to send his wife to her final resting place.

Fighting tears back as time drew close to say final goodbye to the love of his life, he paid tribute, describing her as a devoted life companion, loving mother and committed servant of the Namibian people.

The same Saturday, when the family bid farewell to their mother, they received a new member, a baby boy.

His tribute was delivered by Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, who also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences received by the family following her death.

Pohamba described his wife as a hardworking woman who treated everyone equally.

“She was my best friend, an advisor and personal assistant who has been there for me since the first day we met,” he said.

As the casket was lowered into the grave, Pohamba broke into tears.

**NNN **

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described the late Penehupifo Pohamba as a true mother whose contribution to the nation was felt not only in hospitals, communities and public initiatives, but also through the quiet sacrifices and steadfast support that sustained her family through the demands of public life.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said she knew Pohamba as an elder sister and a fellow comrade.

“Her life was rooted in hard work, discipline, humility and resilience. The values she carried with quiet strength from her early years to her final days must guide this nation as it continues where she left off,” said the President.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the nation honours not merely the offices Pohamba held, but the remarkable woman she was – a freedom fighter, healer, mother and servant leader of Namibia.

“We pay our final respects to a life of selfless service, whose legacy will endure in the hearts of generations to come,” she added.

The President further emphasised that, as a nurse and midwife, Pohamba healed the sick and helped bring generations of Namibians into the world.

“She extended her compassion to mothers, children, orphans, widows and widowers. For her, caring was never merely a profession. It was a calling, an act of love and a profound expression of her humanity,” she stated.

In addition to fighting to secure the country’s freedom, Nandi-Ndaitwah said, Pohamba also fought to preserve people’s lives and dignity.

She added that Pohamba’s hands were trained to defend freedom and heal the wounded.

“In the difficult circumstances in exile, she reminded us that the liberation struggle was fought on many fronts and that every life saved was an act of resistance,” she said.

The President said that even in independent Namibia, Pohamba continued to apply her medical expertise in service of her people.

“As first lady, she dedicated herself to tuberculosis, maternal healthcare and HIV/AIDS awareness,” she said.

**Blessings **

Meanwhile, at the cemetery, Nandi-Ndaitwah shared the news that the last-born child of the Pohamba family, Ndapanda Pohamba, gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday.

The President described the birth as a blessing to the Pohamba family as they welcomed a new grandson amid a time of mourning.

Pohamba died on 17 October in Windhoek at the age of 78. She is survived by her five children and her husband, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

**Nangolo Mbumba **

Former President Nangolo Mbumba, in his message of condolences, described the late Pohamba as a brilliant individual who dedicated her life to serving humanity.

He said her conferment with the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class, was a fitting recognition of her distinguished contribution and service to the nation, particularly in reducing maternal mortality.

‘Simply Sophie’

SWAPO Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa lauded the late Pohamba as a dedicated cadre who served selflessly in refugee camps during the liberation struggle and maintained her commitment to the welfare of women and children long after her tenure as first lady, calling her passing an immense loss to the party and the entire nation.

**Barbara Pohamba **

Barbara Pohamba, who delivered the final tribute on behalf of the late Penehupifo Pohamba’s children, said they had lost a caring mother who taught them to respect everyone.

“Our mother didn’t like bad things. She was always teaching us to do the right things. She loved order and ensured that her children were well-mannered,” she said.

She said their mother was a true Christian who believed in the power of God and taught her children to remain faithful.

**Former bodyguard **

Warrant Officer Julia Ndeulyatele, a former bodyguard to the late first lady Penehupifo Pohamba, said she demonstrated through her actions that hard work, perseverance and dedication are essential virtues in life.

“As her security team, we learned many valuable lessons from her, particularly the importance of being disciplined, self-reliant and always willing to contribute. She taught us by example that no task should be considered too small or beneath us when it is undertaken with dignity and purpose,” she said, with tears in her eyes.

Various mourners who spoke at the memorial service described the late first lady Pohamba as a peaceful woman who loved people and treated everyone with respect. –[email protected]

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