Senior government officials gathered at the residence of the bereaved family of the late Penehupifo Pohamba in Windhoek to offer their condolences.

The former first lady died last night, aged 78.

Mourners included President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, former MP Ben Amathila, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, Minister of Environment Indileni Daniel, former Khomas Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua, Special Advisor to the President Kornelia Shilunga , MP Pohamba Shifeta, as well as Swapo Party members.

In the death announcement, Minister in the Presidency, Charles Mubita, said Pohamba held a special place in Namibia's history, noting that her life of service would leave an enduring legacy.

Penehupifo Pohamba served as First Lady from 2005 to 2015 and championed maternal and child healthcare, women's empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness.

A trained nurse and midwife, she founded the Organisation for the Empowerment of Widows, Widowers and Orphans of HIV/AIDS.

In recognition of her public service, she received the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class, in 2014.