President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described the late Hardap Swapo Party Coordinator Joplin !Gontes as someone who was compassionate and a rebuilder of communities in the region. 

!Gontes was buried at the Pioneers Park Cemetery in Windhoek today.
The president was among hundreds of mourners who turned up to bid farewell to !Gontes.

The First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, the Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, former First Lady Monica Geingos and the Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also joined the grieving community.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah described the late !Gontes as a leader who served the nation with commitment. 

"The outcome of the Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections of November 2025 in the Hardap Region spoke not only to the confidence people had in the SWAPO Party but also reflected the strength and leadership quality that existed within the regional structures under her stewardship. Those who knew Comrade !Gontes also knew her as a deeply spiritual and God-fearing woman. Even in the public space, she often shared words of faith, encouragement, and scripture that reflected the values by which she lived. One scripture she often shared from the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verse 7, says, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone." That scripture spoke profoundly to her character. It reflects humility, compassion, tolerance, and the understanding that, as human beings, we are all imperfect and deserving of grace and understanding."

She says the late leader leaves behind a legacy of service, humility, faith, and commitment that will continue to inspire current and future generations and all Namibians who seek a more just, united, and prosperous society.

!Gontes who died on 4th May, was elected as the Swapo Party Coordinator for Hardap in 2022.

The family described her as a pillar and will always remember the life she lived.

!Gontes who died aged 48, is survived by  two children.