President Hage Geingob says the contribution of the late Susan Nghidinwa, the first black Mayor of Tsumeb, towards the independence and advancement of women will never be forgotten.

Dr Geingob said this in his message of condolences to the family of the late Nghidinwa.

The President has conferred an official funeral on Nghidinwa.

Family, friends, and comrades gathered at Inner City Lutheran Congregation in Windhoek to pay their respects to the first black Mayor of Tsumeb Municipality. 

According to Dr Geingob, Nghidinwa never let gender or race stand in her way, which is why she became the first black female mayor of a copper town.

Nghidinwa is a trained teacher. She went into exile in 1974, where she furthered her studies in Lusaka, Zambia, and obtained a diploma in Development Studies.

She then worked in the Swapo office as a representative of the Swapo Party Women's Council, assigned the responsibilities of coordinating women's projects in camps.

Nghidinwa also served in the leadership of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.

Nghidinwa, who died last Friday in Windhoek, aged 85, had been residing in Tsumeb and was brought to Windhoek three years ago due to her ill health. 

Founding President Sam Nujoma and former President Hifikepunye Pohamba also sent their messages of condolences.

Nghidinwa will be buried in Tsumeb on Monday, with another memorial service expected to be held on Saturday at the town.

She is survived by five children and ten grandchildren.