31/10/2026
Her Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia today paid tribute to the late Madame Penehupifo Pohamba, during the funeral service held at Okanghudi Village, Ohangwena Region , describing her as a pillar of strength in her family, a loyal comrade in the struggle for liberation, and a compassionate servant of the Namibian people.
While admitting how hard the occasion is, she acknowledged that an hour has come, where mourners are facing the reality of life and eternity, adding that it is the moment when we must release the hand of someone they loved so deeply and entrusting her to our ancestors and our God's eternal peace.
She noted that the nation has reached that solemn and deeply painful hour when words give way to tears, memories become our closest companions, and the finality of farewell weighs heavily upon our hearts.
Describing the late Pohamba, she highlighted that the nation is not just laying to rest the earthly remains of Madame Penehupifo Pohamba; rather bidding farewell to a woman who was a steadfast companion to her husband, a nurturing mother and grandmother, adding that Comrade Penehupifo has gone back home to meet those who left before her including her parents and all those dear to her.
President emphasized that madam Pohamba was more than your life partner, a confidante, a source of encouragement, and a constant presence through the defining chapters of President Pohamba’s personal journey and service to our nation.
Conveying her condolences to former President Pohamba , she said, you are not only bidding farewell to your beloved wife of more than four decades. You are parting with a lifelong companion who shared your joys, relieved your burdens and walked beside you through the struggles of liberation, the responsibilities of leadership and the journey of building our nation.
She reminded the Pohamba and the entire bereaved family to be comforted in knowing that the nation stands beside them today, as one can see the sea of people around, not to diminish their grief, but to remind them that they are not alone.
She stressed that as we lay Madame Penehupifo to rest, must remember that while death may silence a voice and remove a familiar presence, it cannot erase the good that person has planted in the world. She emphasized that madam Pohambas’s children will continue to carry her values. Her family will cherish her wisdom. Her comrades will remember her courage and Namibia will preserve her place in our national story.
She wished Comrade Pohamba, the children and the entire bereaved family to find strength in the love they shared, comfort in the memories they hold, and courage in the knowledge that her life was a blessing whose influence will endure.
She conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Comrade Pohamba, the children and the entire bereaved family, as the nation prepare to take this final leave, she prayed that the Almighty grant the family strength for the days ahead, peace in the moments of sorrow, and the assurance that a life so generously given will never be forgotten.
As the nation bid farewell to the beloved wife, mother, grandmother, comrade and daughter of Namibia, we do so with grateful hearts and enduring reverence, she said.
In her conclusion she said, your earthly journey has ended, but your light will not fade, your service will not be forgotten, and your name will remain forever written in the heart of our nation.
