President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described the late former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba as a compassionate, dedicated, humble and patient woman who served the nation with distinction.
She delivered a message of condolence at Pohamba's memorial service at Okanghudi Village in the Ohangwena Region this afternoon.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said she shared a personal bond with the Pohamba family and sang a song in honour of the former first lady.
In her tribute, the President highlighted Pohamba's advocacy for women's empowerment during her tenure as First Lady, as well as her efforts to combat gender-based violence and other forms of injustice against women.
Among her notable contributions was the establishment of maternity waiting homes in Engela, Okongo, Outapi, Opuwo and Gobabis.
The facilities provided expectant mothers with accommodation closer to health facilities before delivery, helping to reduce maternal deaths, particularly in underserved communities.
"Her legacy reminds us that public service must always be measured by the lives we touch and the burden we help others to carry. Meme Penehupifo will be remembered by many young and old, whose life she touched in one way or another.'
In 2005, Pohamba also helped establish the Organisation for the Empowerment of Widows, Widowers and Orphans of HIV/AIDS in Namibia (OEWONA).
"Penehupifo’s noble work has been felt and honoured not only in Namibia but also across SADC, Africa, and the world at large. As First Lady, her dedication, commitment, and service to her duties have been widely recognised, both at home and abroad. Her contributions have earned her several awards and honours, as highlighted in the eulogy we heard earlier. However, I would like to reiterate three of them, as each carries its own significance. The first is the national honour, the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class, which she received in 2014. This award signifies that the nation recognised and honoured her outstanding contributions and the work she had done."
Former President Nangolo Mbumba described the late Pohamba as a brilliant individual who dedicated her life to serving humanity.
"Indeed, Namibia has lost a courageous woman, a freedom fighter, whose life was an epitome of grace and dignity. As we join the bereaved family in honouring the memory of Madam Penehupifo Pohamba, we also stand in solidarity with them, offering encouragement and support as they navigate this most difficult period in their lives without her."
In his tribute, former President Hifikepunye Pohamba reflects on their life journey as loving and caring.
His tribute was read by Tuliameni Kalomho, politician and diplomat.
"From 2006 to 2009, she balanced her responsibilities as First Lady while continuing to work as a nurse, without remuneration, at the Robert Mugabe Clinic in Windhoek. I believe this exemplified her unwavering commitment to public service and the wellbeing of all our people. Despite the extent of her accomplishments and the adoration she received from my wife's family, she consistently resisted the temptation to be treated as a celebrity."
Pohamba will be buried at the family's cemetery at Okanghudi tomorrow.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah conferred the Special funeral on the late Pohamba.