Pohamba family confirms burial at Okanghudi …as siblings remember late Penehupifo as breadwinner

OKANGHUDI – The Pohamba family yesterday confirmed the funeral arrangements of the late former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba to take place next Saturday at a family cemetery in Okanghudi village of Ohangwena region.

The last memorial service will take place next Friday at Okanghudi, followed by the burial the next day. Pohamba died on Saturday evening in Windhoek, at the age of 78.

In an interview with New Era yesterday at the Pohamba residence, Maria Nghipangelwa (73) the younger sister of Pohamba, narrated her sister’s life journey and the important role she played in their family.

Pohamba was born on 16 June 1948 in Okatale village in the Ohangwena region, where she grew up with her parents and siblings.

She was the firstborn of 10 children and was remembered by her siblings as a caring sister who played an important role in the family. Pohamba attended kindergarten and later completed her studies up to Standard 6 at St Mary’s School in Odibo village.

She then enrolled at the nursing school in Odibo, where she was trained as a midwife nurse. She was later sent to Tsandi in the Omusati region to continue her nursing training.

In 1974, Pohamba travelled to Angola with fellow Namibians to join the liberation struggle. While in Angola, she assisted Namibians by providing much-needed medical services.

She later travelled to Tanzania to further her nursing studies before continuing her studies in Jamaica.

After completing her studies in Jamaica, she returned to Angola and later married the love of her life, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba. By the time she returned home, both of her parents had died.

According to Nghipangelwa, five of the 10 siblings have since died, leaving five siblings – three men and two women.

She described Pohamba as a loving and protective sister who treated her younger siblings like her own children.

“When we were growing up, Pohamba loved playing netball at school and she was very active. We lost a big sister who loved us. She treated us like her children. She was a caring big sister,” she said.

Nghipangelwa recalled how Pohamba used to protect her siblings at school whenever they were bullied.

“If anyone came to bully us, our big sister would run to defend us. She was a strong woman,” she said.

She added that Pohamba was hardworking and passionate about her profession.

Nghipangelwa described her sister as the breadwinner of the family, saying they depended on her for support.

“We all depended on her. She was our inspiration and mentor,” she said.

She also described Pohamba as a talented woman who loved singing and dancing. She was a member of the church choir in their village and, according to Nghipangelwa, was a devoted Christian who believed in God.

Nghipangelwa said her sister was always neat and well presented.

“She was always telling us to respect our culture. She raised well-mannered children,” she said.

She added that the late Pohamba was a gentle person who rarely raised her voice at them.

“We never saw our sister shouting at us because she always had a soft voice and was kind.”

“Go well, our big sister. Thank you for everything. We will always remember you. Your legacy remains in our hearts,” she said. Meanwhile, former Ohangwena governor Billy Mwaningange, who travelled with Pohamba to Angola in 1974, also remembered her as a caring and hardworking woman.

“I met her in 1973 when she was working with my wife as a nurse at Odibo, while I was a teacher at Edundja,” he said.

Mwaningange said he was among those who led the group when they travelled to Angola.

“When we arrived in Angola, she continued assisting Namibians. She was a caring mother who assisted many people in Angola,” he said.

He described Pohamba as a strong woman who played an important role during the liberation struggle.

“She loved her profession because when she went to Angola, she did not give up providing healthcare services. We value her for her hard work,” he said.

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