Ohamba of Oukwanyama Martha Nelumbu was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Namibia University of Science and Technology because of her achievements.
NUST Vice Chancellor, Dr. Erold Naomab, says, like other universities, NUST has an academic tradition of awarding honorary doctorates to recognise distinguished personalities for their exceptional contribution to humanity.
"Her sacrifices and leadership ability are widely acclaimed in the contemporary world of today, characterised by complex cyclical vulnerabilities and development challenges such as poverty, food and security, natural hazards, gender inequality, and micro-economic shocks, amongst others." Selfless individuals that support mankind are rare to come by, and hence the need for this recognition."
Dr. Naomab further highlighted that the Monarch serves as a role model to the entire Oukwanyama community and beyond, as she encourages charity, volunteering, and active citizenship.
"Over the years, through her directive and support, the Omhedi Palace has cared for over 45 abandoned children and about 27 homeless adults. She made the call in September 2015, and we all remember this call to young women in Namibia not to commit abortion, kill babies, or abandon them, but to take them to the palace. Similarly, Meekulu successfully established a kindergarten on the Omhedi palace to cater for orphans and abandoned children, as well as other children in the immediate neighbourhoods.
The NUST Chancellor, Professor Peter Katjavivi, commended Ohamba Nelumbu for her impactful leadership.
"She is one of the few female leaders at that level in our society, a position that is dominated by male leaders. We pay a particular tribute to her for her wisdom, courage, determination, and willpower to be heard. To put across the point of view of the community and to say we too need to improve the social and economic conditions of our people in this particular corner of our country."
Higher Education Minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi described Ohamba Nelumbu as a visionary and strategic leader.
Personal advisor to Ohamba Nelumbu on the NUST project, Josia Udjombala, spoke on her behalf.
"I thank more sincerely the Chancellor, the Council, and the management for inviting me to confer on me the Honorary Doctorate degree in Leadership and Change Management, thereby affording me a further opportunity to continue my association with this great university as one of its alumni. Thank you very much for this great honour."