Oukwanyama queen ‘disrespected’ in her own backyard

The Ovakwanyama people are fuming about what they’ve termed an ‘insult’ to their leader, Queen Martha Mwadinomho Kristian Nelumbu - who was allegedly made to sit on a plastic chair at the state funeral of former ambassador Hadino Hishongwa, while better chairs were reserved for politicians and other state officials.

There are also complaints that the arrival of the queen was not on the official programme, and she thus did not get the welcome other high-profile figures at the event received.

Hishongwa was a senior headman within the Oukwanyama traditional area.

The outrage came after a picture and videos of her sitting on a plastic chair were shared on social media, with some of the queen’s subjects saying it is an insult to their leader and - by extension - to their ancestors.

One of Nelumbu’s subjects who expressed discontent at her treatment was Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian, Hidipo Hamata.

“Our queen was treated so badly, by the look of things. She’s a senior citizen and a respected leader of her people, but people don’t give her the respect she deserves. That’s uncalled for and that needs to stop”.

He added: “Our queen, like many other important people, needs recognition and the respect that comes with it. She’s even in her jurisdiction, for that matter.”

In her own kingdom

Chief of protocol Leonard Iipumbu is in the United States of America, where President Hage Geingob is attending the United Nations General Assembly.

The acting chief of protocol from the international affairs office, Tania Tait, did not respond to questions sent to her.

Namibian Sun understands there were 10 ‘proper’ seats reserved for senior officials, including Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, Chief Justice Peter Shivute, National Council chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha and Gaob Immanuel /Gaseb, the chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Namibia.

Commenting on social media, someone said: “This would never happen to the Ondonga king”.

Another of the comments seen by Namibian Sun read: “Why do they do that to our queen in her own jurisdiction? Besides, the only position the late Hishongwa had was within her kingdom”.

“Such nonsense done to our queen. When I saw the picture, I knew there was something wrong with it, just by seeing Chief Justice [Peter] Shivute seated [comfortably] while the queen is on a plastic stool”.

Others questioned who the queen’s right-hand man is and why they allowed for the seating to be handled that way.

Clear answer

Yesterday, Likius Kakololo, head of Oukwanyama palace protocol, said he received complaints on the matter.

He is yet to be briefed on what transpired, he added.

“I was not there at the funeral because I was at Onekwaya assisting with arrangements. A clear answer can only be given once the committee sits and discusses. I want us to meet and figure out how this mistake came about.

"Only then we can inform you to disseminate the correct and accurate news to the nation and the rest of the world,” he told Namibian Sun.

Oukwanyama village headman Dineinge Sheya wondered whether the seating situation was mistake.

He said he also heard about it on social media as he did not attend the funeral, adding that those who did attend felt there was a lack of protocol.

“Even the person who guides the queen was not there, so we really cannot tell. Maybe she said she didn’t want to sit on the big chair because of her back problems. For me to comment and critique from a distance [wouldn’t] be fair, unless I have the full story.”

Sheya added that they will first establish the facts before they pronounce themselves.

He, however, stressed that they do not feel good about what happened, as organisers were supposed to follow proper protocol.

“If you see your leader, you expect them to be respected. We will not feel good to see that because we expect her to be a dignitary in a primary category,” Sheya said.