Namibia continues to mourn the passing of its second First Lady, Penehupifo Pohamba, who died on 17 October. She is remembered for her dedication to maternal and child healthcare, the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria, and the empowerment of women and rural communities.

The Late Penehupifo Pohamba was also a vocal advocate against injustice and violence against women, dedicating much of her life to promoting their rights, dignity and well-being.

A trained midwife, Pohamba was passionate about improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities.

Reverend Miriam Shitana of the Holy Cross Onamunhama Anglican Church described the late Pohamba as a committed congregant who regularly attended Sunday services.

"We are saddened by the untimely death of Pohamba. Her passing has left us heartbroken because we did not even know that she was ill. It is not easy to lose a congregant like her because she and her husband helped our church tremendously until its completion, especially when we were struggling to get the project off the ground."

Pohamba was also an active member of the Mothers' Union, a fellowship within the Anglican Church.

Meanwhile. Teachers and learners at Okanghundi Combined School have paid tribute to the late First Lady, recognising the couple's support for rural education and their financial contributions to the school.

Former Ohangwena Governor Billy Mwaningange recalled Pohamba's contributions during Namibia's liberation struggle.

"We left on the same day, at the same hour, in 1974. She was among the group I was assigned to lead underground from Ondjiva to Zambia. She was one of the 82 people I was tasked with leading across into Angola. Being a medical professional, she helped us all the way from Angola to Zambia."